Canary Wharf Magazine August 2013 by Runwild Media Group

canary wharf the

Food Tr a vel issue

Rainer Becker on Roka; a preview of One Canada Square; wine-tasting in the Loire; and the best of Business Class

viva espana! Featuring the best of Spain, with foodie, beach and rural escapes

cooking up a storm

Tom Aikens talks exclusively about bringing his winning formula to Canary Wharf

AUGUST2013

contents

Features

business travel

12 BOY DONE GOOD

88 CLASS WARS

Following the recent launch of Tom’s Kitchen in Canary Wharf, EMMA JOHNSON talks to chef Tom Aikens about reformation and world-domination

AIMEE LATIMER explores the best business class offerings worldwide

18 THE BEST OF CANARY WHARF JOSEPHINE O’DONOGHUE gives a definitive guide to Canary Wharf’s buzzing restaurant scene, telling you who does what best – and where

24 POWER & PRECISION KERSTIN KÜHN talks to Rainer Becker, the mogul and man who changed the UK’s perception of Japanese food

work 64 WEATHERING THE STORM SUSAN MCKENZIE reports on stress levels in the financial sector and looks at how companies and workers are managing the pressure

play 72 POWERHOUSE TO BOATHOUSE NEIL BRISCOE drives a BMW M5 from Dublin to Galway and enjoys the challenge of those Irish roads

Food & DRINK 78 A FINE GLASS ANDY ROSENBAUM argues that Canary Wharf is at the heart of London’s Bordeaux revival

80 A GREAT TRADITION CHRIS MURRAY and AIMEE LATIMER take a look at the raucous history of the cocktail bar

92 ULTIMATE AWAY DAYS RICHARD BROWN finds out the best destinations for impressing clients

escape 104 SUNRISE TO SUNRISE RICHARD BROWN immerses himself in the VIP treatment at The Ushuaïa Tower in Ibiza

106 TOUR DU VIN REBECCA ROSS goes cycling and vintage wine tasting in the Loire Valley

REGULARS 29 the knowledge: HIM

75 Food & Drink

39 the knowledge: her

85 business travel

45 Watches & Jewellery

97 escape

68 motoring

111 Property

canary wharf the

Food Tr avel issue

cooking up a storm

Tom Aikens talks exclusively about bringing his winning formula to Canary Wharf

Rainer Becker on Roka; a preview of One Canada Square; wine-tasting in the Loire & the best of business class

viva espana! The charm of Spain remains, with the best in foodie, beach & rural escapes

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17.07.13 10:22

CONTRIBUTORS

Published by

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Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Managing Editor emma johnson

Deputy Editor

Richard Brown

Motoring Editor Matthew Carter

KERSTIN KÜHN

nick smith

Neil Briscoe has been a car critic for 15 years, and still hasn’t lived down the shame of the time he was overtaken by a Daweoo Matiz while driving a new Alfa Romeo. He lives in Ireland but travels all over the world to drive new cars, and sometimes even remembers to drive on the correct side of the road. His favourite car is a Series 1 1948 Land Rover.

German-born South African Kerstin Kühn has been a journalist for nearly a decade and specialises in restaurants, chefs and food. She was the restaurants editor of hospitality bible Caterer and Hotelkeeper for seven years, has written for the Evening Standard and is the author of the La Goulue restaurant blog, theglutton.net.

Nick Smith is an awardwinning travel writer and photographer. His latest book is the highly acclaimed Travels in the World of Books described by Alexander McCall Smith as ‘a triumph.’ In 2012, he was shortlisted in the Travel Photographer of the Year competition. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Explorers Club.

august

NEIL BRISCOE

Collection Editor

annabel harrison

Property Editor Gabrielle Lane

Contributing Editor

Josephine O’Donoghue

Editorial Assistant Aimee latimer

Staff Writer

Erica musango

Senior Designer DANIEL POOLE

Brand Consistency Hiren Chandarana Laddawan Juhong

General Manager Fiona Fenwick

Production

Hugo Wheatley ALEX POWELL

josephine o’donoghue

andy rosenbaum

Matthew Carter

Based in the Cotswolds, Josephine has worked as a writer and editor for six years, specialising in lifestyle, travel, culture and local features. This month, she ate her way around Canary Wharf’s best restaurants to put together our essential guide.

Andrew Rosenbaum is a financial journalist who also writes about food and wine. For the past 15 years he has lived and worked around Europe, covering international economics, banking, corporate finance, along with the best restaurants, recipes and vintages. He writes for the Wall Street Journal, the Sunday Telegraph and MSN Money.

Former editor of both Autocar and Classic and Sports Car, Matthew Carter has been a motoring journalist for longer than he cares to admit. He currently owns three cars: a city-friendly VW up!, and two classic Alfas – a 1960 Giulietta Sprint Veloce and a brutal SZ. He has been Canary Wharf’s motoring editor since the beginning.

Property Director

Samantha Ratcliffe

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

7 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf London, E14 4JB T: 020 7987 4320 F: 020 7005 0045 www.rwmg.co.uk

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Dear Resident

There are more than 40 diplomatic missions in fair Belgravia, a figure I would not quite have imagined being so high, even though I knew embassies favoured this area. With this firmly in mind and feeling that we have been slightly out of touch with these institutions, Henry Hopwood-Phillips dives into neutral territory to speak with some of the representatives from the Norwegian, German and Belgian embassies. He seeks a slice of each country’s culture and enquires why Belgravia makes the perfect home away from home.

BELGRAVIA

Another Belgravian local, the home guru Lucy Cork, also takes the time out of her busy schedule to chat to Henry this month. The pair discuss why the white-stuccoed buildings of this area have always held such attraction for her and the unconventional way she navigated her way up the career ladder – there was no corporate scrabble for this lady. In this July edition we also visit The Palm restaurant and round up the latest planning and local news. We hope you enjoy the read. Please do not hesitate to get in contact with your feedback, email: Belgravia@residentsjournal.co.uk.

Resident’s Journal

Vantage HAMPSTEAD EDiTion: covering HAMPSTeAD, HigHgATe, HAMPSTeAD HeATH, BeLSiZe PArK AnD WeST HAMPSTeAD

BOAT ENVY

i s sue 0 3 7 : £ 3 . 5 0

RidiNG HiGH ON tHe supeRyacHt wave

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Managing Editor Katie Randall

Senior Designer Sophie Blain

Publishing Director Giles Ellwood

General Manager Fiona Fenwick

Associate Publisher Sophie Roberts

Editorial Assistants Lauren Romano, Lulu Rumsey

Head of Finance Elton Hopkins

Client Relationship Director Felicity Morgan-Harvey

Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood

Production Hugo Wheatley, Alex Powell, Oscar Viney

Communications Director Loren Penney

Main Editorial Contributor Henry Hopwood-Phillips

Managing Director Eren Ellwood

JULY 2013 • IssUe 14

Contributing Editor Josephine O’Donoghue

embRace tHe sOcial seasON iN style

Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. Subscriptions: A free online subscription service is available for Canary Wharf Magazine. Visit the subscriptions page on our website. www.rwmg.co.uk/subscribe

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EDITOR’S LETTER

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

For a foodie like me, putting together the Food and Travel issue this month has been nothing short of a total pleasure. From morning until night our inboxes have been filled with beautiful images of such delights as the black cod served at Roka, the eggs benedict from Tom’s Kitchen, cocktails from the The Pearson Room, hams from Ibérica, burgers from Boisdale and a series of mouth-watering previews of the kinds of dishes we can expect at One Canada Square restaurant when it opens in September; while overseeing our fashion shoot this month realistically meant a day spent eating and photographing lobster, caviar, fillet steaks, lamb chops Eton Mess and Champagne; though, thankfully, not all at once. It was tough, I assure you. Five years ago, we might have found it a little harder to put together such a foodiefocused issue of Canary Wharf, but in the last five years diners in the area have become literally spoilt for choice. Bookending this period of dramatic revolution in the area is Rainer Becker from Roka – who brought his incredible Japanese restaurant here in 2009 – and Tom Aikens – whose Tom’s Kitchen brand opened to much fanfare on Westferry Circus this July. Our exclusive interviews this month with Becker and Aikens reveal two very different men, with two very different approaches to restaurants. Becker, renowned for his slick, premium eateries, beloved by both City workers and celebs, talks about how well the Roka brand has worked in Canary Wharf, as well as sharing his excitement about the opening of Oblix in The Shard (p. 24) this summer. While Aikens – a veritable superstar chef awarded two Michelin-stars at just 26 – discusses his more organic approach to his brand, and explains why he chose Canary Wharf to be this third venue in London (p. 12). Also this month, we take a look forward at the striking new design for One Canada Square (p. 16); provide our essential foodie guide to Canary Wharf (p. 18); and work our way through the cocktail (p. 80)and wine lists (p. 78) of our favourite bars in the area. Travel-wise, Spain is a hot ticket this issue with a city break in Madrid, a rural retreat in Menorca, beach parties in Ibiza, and even more food in San Sebastian (p. 100). Bon appetit…

Emma Johnson Editor

As Canary Wharf welcomes Tomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen to its vibrant dining scene, Emma Johnson meets with head chef Tom Aikens, to talk about becoming a global brand, coping with pressure, and putting those infamous early years behind him

PHOTOGRAPHY: Copyright ÂŠ Mine Kasapoglu

Boy done good

INTERVIEW

am in the wrong place. Apparently. I am sure I was meant to meet Tom Aikens at his ‘Kitchen’ in Chelsea, not at his eponymous restaurant around the corner. I am really sure of this, (it can be confusing, so I made sure to check with his ‘people’ beforehand). The waitress eyeballs me and assures me I am in the wrong place. I stand my ground, frantically searching for the email that confirms I am to meet him here, while designer buggies roll past me, making beelines for cappuccinos and organic granola. Finally she concedes: “OK. Well, I’ll call him, he’s coming over now.” I take a seat in the restaurant and wait. Breakfast service is well underway and the clattering of cups and saucers, the smell of bacon and coffee pervades the light airy room. Tom’s Kitchen looks like just that, Tom’s own kitchen, white-tiled walls, wooden tables, monochrome pictures on the walls, pots of herbs and kitchen utensils dotted about. A carefully considered, casual-dining, good, honest food formula that has already won great favour with both the yummy mummies of Chelsea and the tourists and City workers at his Somerset House branch, its arrival in Canary Wharf has been much-anticipated. But even the wait for Tom’s Kitchen here, as Aikens explains when he turns up, is part of the point. “First and foremost it’s about getting a good site. One of things that delayed us with coming to Canary Wharf was that the right place hadn’t come up,” explains Aikens. The right place has turned out to be a big space at Westferry Circus, airy and light it offers ample room for Tom’s Kitchen to serve a busy lunchtime rush, and a more sedate evening service, as well as providing a large space for the planned deli. “It’s a feeling you have that there are some sites you know are not going to work and some just have something magic about them,” he explains. Food follows the same formula as the two current Tom’s Kitchens, great British-inspired food, served simply in warm, inviting interiors. With three Kitchens now, two Delis and a Terrace at Somerset House, the ‘Tom’s’ brand has definitely found its feet; meaning future roll-outs are likely to follow hard on the heels of this one. “The idea is to try and make Tom’s Kitchen into a brand, like Jamie’s done with Jamie’s Italian,” he clarifies. “A lot of the success with a brand is just really getting right what people love about food and understanding that simplistic approach to it. What is harder to get your head around is being commercial in what you’re doing. When I created this I never thought it was going to be a roll-out concept. But it really works. We’ll just take our time; and obviously if we come across good sites we’ll look at them and keep expanding. We have some more planned in

AUGUST 2013 CW 13

London and the first international launch in Istanbul in September too.” World domination, it seems, is just around the corner then. But it wasn’t always this easy, and Aikens has had somewhat of a complicated climb up the career ladder. Awarded two Michelin stars at the tender age of 26 as head chef at Pied a Terre in Charlotte Street, he shot to culinary stardom in a very short space of time. “I never thought that I would have had the stars at that age – no way. I don’t think anyone else did either.” But with great success comes great pressure, and the challenge of managing a busy and renowned kitchen team required the kind of maturity and wisdom that someone in their mid-twenties simply doesn’t have. A minor implosion, along with a rather public resignation, followed and Aikens had to take time to regroup. “Oh the horror,” he grimaces when I ask him about it. “I was a head chef at the age of 26 and there was no way I had the experience, the qualifications, the patience – any of it. My mind wasn’t set on things and that really came across in the way that I worked and managed people,” he says, which is as close as he’ll get to talking about an alleged incident where he branded a trainee with a hot palette knife, and consequentially quit. “The world was a different place in 1995. I was 26, I had no management skills, so I was doing exactly what I wanted to do. I had so much energy – not saying that I don’t have the enthusiasm now that I had then – but I was living on three hours sleep and adrenaline. And the way that kitchens were run then, they were a lot tougher than they are these days. I think I came across as very firm, very tough. I wouldn’t say I was the easiest chef to work with.” Fast-forward 14 or so years, and life is treating Aikens a little differently. Ask anyone in the industry and they’ll tell you he’s calmed. Actually, he’ll tell you himself. “In the last three years I’ve definitely mellowed. It takes a number of years to improve the way that you communicate, and the way that you’re teaching and training your staff. And, just having the confidence in what you’re

doing. I think when you get to a certain age you feel a little more confident in yourself and your ability to manage people as well.” At 40, it seems the restaurant industry is being kinder to Aikens, a more refined version of the young hotshot he was. Still, when I ask him if the two stars were a blessing or a curse, he says he wouldn’t change things. “It was definitely a blessing to have them. It’s the level of cooking that I’m doing now – if not more – and I think we’re aiming to have that again. Back then it was difficult and tricky for me. It was amazing to have [the stars], but it was definitely a lot more pressure.” These days the pressures of running a business are ever-present, but Aikens is prepared for it. “With Canary Wharf, we’re geared for it to be really busy during lunch times – so we understand the pressure that orders will need to be done quickly. We need to make sure the kitchen is exactly the right size for that and we’ve got new computerised ordering systems in place, so hopefully the flow of the service will be a lot smoother. That was one of my concerns, because obviously those ladies and gents in Canary Wharf don’t want

A lot of the success with a brand is just really getting right what people love about food

to be spending an hour waiting for their lunch,” he says with a wry smile. This hands-on approach is typical of Aikens now, and while he spends most of his time cooking at his eponymous restaurant in Chelsea, and developing the Tom’s side of the business, he is still looking for other ways to make his mark – collaborating with brands as varied as Qatar Airways and David Linley. “I think it’s important to show people how diverse you are, that you’re not one-dimensional. Tom Aikens and David Linley for instance, although it’s a much higher-end luxury brand than what we’re doing with Tom’s Kitchen, it’s still going to bring value to what Tom’s Kitchen stands for. It’s synergies coming together to strengthen what we’re doing.” Back in Canary Wharf, it’s business as usual for the time being. With a successful formula that works, Aikens anticipates that, after the initial weeks, the restaurant will all but run itself, supported by a long-standing team that understands the brand. And this is perhaps where Aikens himself has learnt the most and invested the most. For him now, managing, supporting and training his team is as important as the setting, the brand,

even the food, “If you have great staff that are well-trained, that know about the food, then the customers will feel special, and keep coming back,” he says. “So we make sure that we get the right staff and they fit the position that we are looking for – otherwise it’s like getting a footballer into a position that they don’t want to play in. And we make sure that they get the training they need as well. I reckon a lot of the team I have now will be with me into the foreseeable future – and it’s nice to see them grow from being a commis waiter to eventually becoming a manager.” Aikens chose to open Tom’s Kitchen Canary Wharf with a brunch on a Saturday, a fact that might be surprising if it wasn’t for his commitment to the family audience. “We’re trying to do things for kids at the weekends. We’ll offer free food for kids up to a certain age, and we also have a private dining room with a TV playing cartoons and offering free nibbles, things like popcorn and vegetables to little burgers…” As he talks, Aikens’ eyes – for the first time in our interview – twinkle with real enthusiasm. Having recently become a father, the chef’s life has certainly taken on new meaning and focus. Not for him the 20 hour days of his youth, but regular time off, and quality time too. He has most weekends free, and makes sure his life during the week has balance too. “If I get a break in the day, I’ll go home to give my daughter her evening feed before she goes to bed.” At the weekends, the focus is also on indulging his passions – food and family. “I don’t really go out a lot. I cook a lot on the weekends, which I like to do; particularly with Violette as she’s now eating proper food and solids, so we just give her a bit of ours.” She’s gaining a pretty good appetite, then, I ask him. “She is indeed,” and he smiles again, proudly, before continuing. “We‘ll often go to Petersham Nurseries or Kew for lunch and a walk, and it’s nice because she just loves to run around. She’s quite independent, so we let her run riot and she loves it.” Finally, it seems, the people running riot in Aikens’ life are exactly those that are meant to be. That’s progress indeed.

I think it’s important to show people how diverse you are, that you’re not one-dimensional

AUGUST 2013 CW 15

The One Canada Square restaurant sits within the tower’s lobby

The

Elite

The past decade has seen a veritable food revolution in Canary Wharf, and this September we welcome newcomer One Canada Square Restaurant & Bar to the elite group of fine-dining hotspots in the area, reports JOSEPHINE O’DONOGHUE

en years ago you’d probably get a decent coffee in Canary Wharf but perhaps not a great choice of fine-dining. A lot can change in a decade though, and luckily for us, Canary Wharf is now one of the capital’s favourite culinary destinations. Playing host to big restaurant names including Roka, Ibérica, Boisdale, Jamie’s Italian, Tom’s Kitchen, The Pearson Room, Plateau and Gaucho to name but a few (and yes, that’s only a few) our taste buds really are spoilt for choice. And, as if that selection of eateries wasn’t enough, Canary Wharf will soon see the arrival of ETM’s newest venture, One Canada Square, joining the gang in September. “One Canada Square will be a stunning new modern restaurant and cocktail bar with a highend offering befitting the location and local demographic,” says Tom Martin, co-founder of ETM Group, the restaurant dynamos who bought us The Botanist in

Sloane Square and The Jugged Hare in the City. At their newest launch we can expect an original and exciting European menu modernised with international influences from ex-Ivy Club head chef Jamie Dobbin. “Jamie’s inspiration comes from around the globe,” says Martin, “He has taken elements from Europe, the USA and Asia and he will be using all the different techniques and operations from these continents with our wonderful British produce. “I love the way that Canary Wharf Group has transformed this area of London from the once-derelict docks to a first-class corporate centre with a hospitality, retail and residential offer to match. Canary Wharf is the most impressive developing area of London.” Naturally, being located in such an iconic building, and with expectations mounting as we get closer to the opening date, the atmosphere and interior were also under pressure to deliver. “Proportionally, the lobby is such a grand space, our first challenge was to introduce interior architectural elements that sit comfortably

“I love the way that Canary Wharf Group has transformed this area of London”

Culinary One Canada Square entrance visual from David Collins Studio

feature

Ex-Ivy Club head chef Jamie Dobbin

within the existing space and give the impression that they were part of the original lobby concept,” said David Collins Studio, who designed the space. “The extensive use of chrome and stainless steel within the building required a carefully considered approach. As a solution, we have looked at ways to soften the space and create an ambient environment […] In essence, we needed to design a timeless space within a modernistic shell.” Highlights of the finalised design include a fabulously grand staircase and imposing marble-clad columns befitting the most famous address in Canary Wharf. Banquette seating with ribbed detail upholstery and contrast piping – reminiscent of a vintage car – adds a relaxed yet sophisticated detail, alongside herringbone patterned table-tops and a selection of structured sheers. “It is extremely exciting and a great honour to be part of this iconic building,” concludes Martin. “The sophisticated and highly professional clientele of Canary Wharf will be reflected in the design of the restaurant and bar, while the service, food and beverage offering will be suited to their high expectations.” Roll on September, we can’t wait! D onecanadasquarerestaurant.com

august 2013 CW 17

The best of

CANARY WHARF JOSEPHINE O’DONOGHUE explores Canary Wharf’s vibrant and varied restaurant scene, and sees why it’s no surprise that diners – and celebrity chefs – are flocking to the area

one canada square restaurant & bar Opening September 2013

Plateau Restaurant Bar & Grill Canada Square

From September onwards, the elegant lobby of One Canada Square will be the place to enjoy lunch, as head chef Jamie Dobbin introduces exquisite European cuisine. Although the final menu is yet to be confirmed, we’re expecting seasonal favourites with a creative twist alongside a selection of tempting cocktails (well, maybe just one at lunch time). Also try: First Edition for its delicious home-made crab samosas and rustic rabbit biriyani.

An iconic destination in the Canary Wharf foodie scene, Plateau is perhaps the most chic of them all, with an achingly stylish, minimalist interior and a killer cocktail menu. Gaze over the park under the twinkling lights of the surrounding towers and savour menu highlights including wild garlic risotto with braised Aylesbury snails and Goosnargh duck with poached quince and seared duck liver. Also try: Roka for a buzzing atmosphere and exemplary cuisine.

dinner

For locals, breakfast at Tom’s Kitchen in Chelsea is a big deal, and there’s no doubt that’s the case at the Canary Wharf outpost too. The menu features morning staples such as eggs benedict and omelettes, alongside treats including its famous blueberry pancakes, smoked salmon bagels and potato rostis, while the Bloody Marys are some of the best we’ve ever tasted. Also try: The Pearson Room for its Huevos Rojos or Canteen for its Welsh rarebit.

lunch

BREAKFAST

Tom’s Kitchen Westferry Circus

feature

Al Fresco

Ibérica La Terraza Cabot Square Step into Ibérica La Terraza and experience al fresco dining ‘Spanish style’ right here in Cabot Square. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a selection of mouthwatering tapas dishes (try the baby squid pincho and jamon Ibérico). The buzzing atmosphere and leafy location mean you won’t want to tear yourself away on warm evenings. ALSO TRY: Smollensky’s for its refurbished terrace and Amerigo Vespucci for the ‘spuntini’ menu in the al fresco bar.

The Parlour is the natural choice for cocktails in Canary Wharf, and anywhere that boasts its own ‘signature punch’ obviously knows a thing or two about mixing drinks. Don’t miss out on the creatively named Princess Sparkler, and Zombie-land – although beware, the latter does include absinthe and is guaranteed to have you walking like the un-dead after a few glasses. Also try: Martinis at The Pearson Room.

Boisdale of Canary Wharf Cabot Place

Brunch in Canary Wharf is becoming increasingly popular and one of the best offerings comes from The Pearson Room – light and airy, it serves American-style buttermilk pancakes and a full English breakfast complete with wild boar sausages and bacon. Also try: Roka’s incredible suckling pig and dessert platters, with brunch, now extended to include Saturdays.

nicolas wine bar One Canada Square

rocket Churchill Place

Much to our delight, Nicolas Wine Bar is open late even on weekdays, making it one of our first choices for a cheeky glass of wine mid-week. Whether you know exactly what you fancy, or want to be guided by someone who knows better, there are more than 300 bottles to choose from alongside an appetising menu of French dishes. Also try: Davy’s for waterfront wine-tasting and Iberica for an amazing Spanish wine list.

Overlooking the O2 Arena in an enviable location in Canary Wharf, Rocket should be your first call for pizza (13 inches stonebaked in a wood-fired oven) with unusual toppings. Menu highlights include smoked black pudding and Moroccan-spiced minced lamb. We also love the pesto and tomato pizza bread as a lighter bite. Also try: Café Brera at Cabot Place and Jubilee Place for fabulous Nettuno pizza.

pizza

wine

As close as you’ll get to a Highland retreat in London, step into Boisdale to enjoy the very best Scotland has to offer from beef and haggis, to salmon and whisky. The 50-page whisky menu offers an impressive choice of tipples, and recommendations are readily given. Don’t miss the live music, six nights a week.

brunch

The Pearson Room Canada Place

whisky

cocktails

The Parlour The Park Pavilion

august 2013 CW 19

A wonderful choice for breakfast, elevenses, lunch, 3 o’clockers, or dinner (so really….any time at all), the Paul bakery is always worth a visit. Truly French in style, taste and attention to detail, the croissants make a deliciously indulgent breakfast, the baguettes are generously stuffed at lunchtime and the patisserie selection is utterly magnificent.

dim sum

Located just across from the pier, Royal China has that enviable combination of both a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, coupled with a luxurious finish (not to mention the outstanding culinary offering). Although excellent at any time of day, the restaurant offers the best dim sum in the Wharf every day from 12pm-5pm, including its famous steamed seafood dumplings and pan-fried fillet of duck breast rolls. Also try: Roka for a Japanese version of dim sum in a modern setting.

Obikà Mozzarella Bar The West Wintergarden A haven for cheese lovers, the upmarket mozzarella bar Obikà (meaning ‘here it is’) is located in West Wintergarden, specialising in recipes based on mozzarella di bufala campana, alongside cunzato bread, salads and desserts. Designed to resemble a typical contemporary Italian cafe, beautiful huge pieces of bufala mozzarella glisten alongside salumi, paper-thin prosciutto from northern Italy, delicious salads generously served in glass bowls with vinaigrette, and authentic pasta dishes. Exquisite!

quadrato Four Seasons Canary Wharf A long-standing favourite in Canary Wharf, Quadrato is housed within the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel and is well-known for its modern European fare. Enjoy a plate of cavatelli pasta with Devon crab or borage ravioli from a frontrow view of the garden and the Thames from the private outdoor terrace, or inside with a view out of the three-storey windows. Also try: The vongole tagliolini at Jamie’s Italian and Carluccio’s linguine al frutti di mare.

pasta

royal china Westferry Circus

vegetarian

bread&pastries

paul Cabot Place

feature amerigo vespucci Cabot Square

It’s hard to decide whether the food or the interiors are more beautiful at Sri Nam, but whichever it is, the entire experience is a real taste of the Orient. Choose from a casual café-bar set up or the luxurious dining room before tucking into a selection of oriental dishes, highlights of which include hoi shell fakthong (scallops, pumpkin and green peppercorns in a rich curry) and pla taocee (crispy monkfish with chilli and black bean sauce). Sri Nam stirs up both house specialties and comforting street food, but if you’re in a rush then grab a make-your-own B-Box from a delicious mixture of starters, mains and soups.

Tucked behind Cabot Square this restaurant is something of a hidden gem, embracing authentic Italian cuisine and putting a seasonal slant on traditional flavours throughout the year. Amerigo Vespucci is one of Canary Wharf’s longest-running restaurants and has been delighting diners by the river for 17 years. A fusion of traditional and modern, everything is tasty, but we love the cozze alla sambuca and fegato alla veneziana in particular (take my word for it, liver is exquisite when cooked by Italians!). Also try: Jamie’s Italian for hearty, but healthy, authentic Italian dishes bursting with flavour and served with a smile.

THAI

italian

sri nam North Colonnade

jamie’s italian Churchill Place

ceviche

gaucho canary Westferry Circus Summer time brings summer dishes back into our favourite restaurants and the ceviche at Gaucho is a highlight. Choose from variations including Ecuadorian salt water trout, tuna tiraditos, lobster, and scallop tiraditos. A wine from Gaucho’s own Selección G range is recommended with every variation to heighten the dining experience. Try a dry Sauvignon Blanc Finca Sophenia 2011 to complement the tanginess of shrimp agua chilli drizzled in fresh lime.

special occasions

kids’ meals

As if we’d expect anything else from our favourite chef, Jamie Oliver has ensured that all the little ones are well-catered for at Jamie’s Italian with a special (nutritionally balanced) menu. Every dish counts as two of a child’s five a day, and creations include the ‘puppy dog’ (healthy hot dog), classic spaghetti bolognese and fish fingers. All dishes come with a playful ‘shake me’ salad too so your kids will have an absolute ball at lunch. Also try: The cute kids' shepherd’s pie at Tom’s Kitchen and Ibérica’s dedicated kids' classes.

roka The Park Pavilion A restaurant based on the concept of sharing food with friends in a warm welcoming environment, Roka is the perfect place to celebrate special occasions. Choose from a selection of Japanese dishes, sushi and sashimi and if you can, book the ‘chef’s table’ (seats 14) to observe the master chefs at work as you dine. Also try: Plateau for an unforgettable setting or One Canada Square for an exclusive atmosphere.

august 2013 CW 21

feature Birley Salt Beef One Canada Square

Offering the best in Spanish cuisine with seasonal tapas and a cultural offering for diners to enjoy, Ibérica serves authentic dishes with a fun atmosphere. You’ll find Spanish favourites on the menu such as patatas bravas and jamon Ibérico – and exquisite wines including ‘Pagos Viejos’ Bodegas Artadi, Rioja 1996. Also try: Obikà’s appetiser of mini rotoli trio followed by a smooth espresso, and Wahaca's Mexican style tapas.

There is only one meal on the menu at this restaurant: trimmed Entrecôte steak “Porte Maillot” with its famous sauce, French fries and a green salad with walnuts. The only choice to make is how you want your steak cooked, just as it has been in the original Parisian restaurant for more than 50 years. Also try: Gaucho for meltin-the mouth Argentinian fillets and a range of unique cuts, and Manhattan Grill for no-fuss, expertly cooked steak.

canteen The Park Pavilion Champion of ‘proper’ British food, Canteen has become a firm favourite in Canary Wharf. Knock yourself out with your favourite comfort dishes, ranging from proper pies, sausage and mash and fish and chips, to Eton Mess and shortbread. Honest, seasonal food displaying the best of Britain’s regional flavours. Also try: Tom’s Kitchen for a fabulous fish pie.

22 CW august 2013

healthy

british food

leon Cabot Place Leon’s overall view on nutrition is well summed up by Michael Pollen: “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants”. With this in mind, Leon is one of the few places where you can order anything and know that you’re eating high quality, healthy, nutritious ingredients in some seriously delicious combinations. Also try: The butternut, lentil and spinach stew at Chop’d.

ice cream

The Manhattan Grill strapline says it all: “Find the finest steaks around, cook them to perfection, served with no fuss, no gimmicks and that’s no bull…” Enjoy your food in the restaurant, lobby bar or terrace and make sure you try the juicy Manhattan burger finished with a generous slice of melt-in-the-mouth Cheddar, rashers of bacon and gloriously golden, salty fries. Also try: Boisdale for variations on traditional burgers, and Byron for epic versions of heart-warming classics.

With branches located in both Cabot Place and Canada Place, Birley salads are packed full of fresh ingredients, bursting with seasonal flavour. From the familiar to the exotic there are a staggering 33 delicious salads to choose from, alongside warming soups, stuffed sandwiches and dreamy desserts. Also try: Kanapina’s nanga salad bowl and Organic Chickpeas’ mixed salad boxes.

Le Relais de Venise L’Entrecôte Mackenzie Walk

steak

burgers

manhattan grill London Marriott Hotel

salads

tapas

Ibérica Canary Wharf Cabot Square

Zazà Canada Place With so much choice (over 60 fruit and cream flavours) we’re aware that a visit to Zazà may require a tricky decision, but it is absolutely worth it. From traditional favourites to the latest crazy flavour inventions, a scoop of Zazà gelato in an almond biscuit cones or cup will give you a pick-me-up any time of day.

Design by Philippe Starck

STARCK. A CLASSIC REVIVED.

Sanitaryware, bathroom furniture, bathtubs, shower trays, wellness products and accessories: Duravit has everything you need to make life in the bathroom a little more beautiful. More info at Duravit UK, Milton Keynes, Phone 0845 500 7787, Fax 0845 500 7786, info@uk.duravit.com, www.duravit.co.uk

German chef who has launched a global chain of Japanese restaurants from London that have become renowned as celebrity hotspots, with exciting cocktails, a nightclub atmosphere and thrillingly modern food, Rainer Becker’s is a story of true international success. But for someone with restaurants in six locations across three continents, whose regular customers include the likes of Lady Gaga, Victoria and David Beckham, Sarah Ferguson, Antonio Banderas and Tony Blair, he’s surprisingly down to earth. With an endearing German accent, he’s confident but not arrogant, and has a cheeky smile that instantly takes a good decade off his 50 years. We meet at The Shard, where Becker recently opened his latest restaurant, Oblix, together with long-term Zuma and Roka business partner Arjun Waney. Located on the 32nd floor of the iconic glass building towering over London Bridge, the 200-cover venue is arguably the duo’s most ambitious project yet. And with breathtaking 360° views of the City – the Gherkin is just opposite and Tower Bridge and the Tower of London look tiny below – it’s certainly an enviable position to be in. But Becker wasn’t immediately drawn to the project or the location. First approached in 2009, he initially declined the offer because the site “was just a big hole”. Little did he know then that a venture at The Shard would not only become one of the top destination restaurants in London but, coupled with that incredible view, the world. So when a few months later representatives returned with detailed plans, the chef quickly changed his mind: “I was instantly intrigued by the architecture and the power of its simplicity. I knew it would dominate the London skyline and I realised that if I said no, I’d regret it every time I went past it.” Modelled on a New York grill, Oblix, which is divided into a bar and restaurant, complete with open kitchen, interactive sommelier stations and floor-toceiling windows throughout, takes its inspiration from The Shard. “The building reminds me of New York so I thought I’d put something New York-inspired in it,” Becker explains. As far as the menus go, Oblix marks a first-time departure from the contemporary Japanese cuisine Becker has become synonymous with around the world. Celebrating comfort food, it’s all about cuts of meat from the charcoal grill, birds from the rotisserie and breads from a wood-fired oven, as well as dishes like steak tartar, Caesar salad, crab cakes, New England clam chowder, and sides such as macaroni and cheese, French fries and baked potatoes. “It is a new direction and it’s quite selfish really,” Becker explains. “For the

interview

Power precision With a global restaurant brand, a new opening at The Shard and three other renowned London restaurants, including one in Canary Wharf, Rainer Becker is fast becoming the king of the London dining scene, writes Kerstin K端hn

august 2013 CW 25

Oblix, The Shard

past ten years I have been eating Japanese food five, six times a week. I still love it but it’s time to eat something new now. When I opened Zuma it was all about serving Japanese food the way I like to eat it and this is the same thing.” Of course, by offering comfort food, or dude food as the hipsters call it, Becker is right on the money with what London diners want. And it’s this ability not just to foresee trends but innovate them that has seen Zuma develop into one of the most successful restaurant brands in the world. Growing up in Germany, Becker gained experience at some of the country’s top restaurants, before joining the Hyatt hotel group, where he worked for 14 years around the globe. After stints in Cologne and Sydney, he moved to Japan, where he was executive chef at the Park Hyatt in Tokyo – made famous by Lost in Translation – for six years. It was during this time that the chef immersed himself in Japanese culture and cuisine. “Japanese food looks very simple, but it’s extremely complex,” he says. “The more you learn about it the more fascinating it becomes.” Becker came to London in 1998 as executive chef of the Hyatt Carlton Tower

New York is like London, you have to really understand the city and you only get one chance to make or break it Zuma’s famous Black Cod dish

hotel, where he launched the Rib Room, and after working as a consultant on Alan Yau’s Hakkasan, he went solo, teaming up with Indian businessman Waney – whom he met through their mutual hairdresser – to launch Zuma in a Knightsbridge back street in 2002. Like Hakkasan, Zuma overnight transformed an ambiguous location into a celeb magnet, a restaurant that revolutionised the London dining scene by serving exciting, modern Japanese food a million miles removed from the sushi and sashimi of the ubiquitous conveyor belts. Becker branched out in 2004 to open Roka, the slightly more casual sister restaurant to Zuma, based on the robata grill. Its first site launched on Charlotte Street, with a second following in Canary Wharf in 2009, at a time when the financial district had limited quality restaurants. The tide however, was, turning, explains Becker. “The market seemed perfect for a concept like Roka,” he recalls. “It was an instant success and we were really surprised how well it was received. Over the years, the area has grown and there’s more competition now. But Canary Wharf can sustain lots of restaurants. Our clients are so diverse – from the bankers during the week to the residents late at night

interview

Bar lounge at Roka

Brunch at Roka, Canary Wharf

Sushi bar at Zuma

– and we’re always busy.” He adds that even weekends are a winner: “I was nervous about opening on the weekend at first as business in Canary Wharf seems so driven by the office crowds. But our brunch has proved so popular; with all the shops in the area, locals no longer need to leave Canary Wharf – they have everything on their doorstep.” Zuma has also proved to be a successful export, opening in Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai, Miami and Bangkok, with an Abu Dhabi branch launching in November, and a second US site set to open on New York’s Madison Avenue next spring. “I’m very excited about opening in New York,” Becker enthuses. “Arjun has wanted to be in New York for many years but I lacked the confidence. New York is like London, you have to really understand the city and you only get one chance to make or break it.” Becker adds that both Zuma and Roka will continue to expand internationally, with US cities such as Chicago and Las Vegas and more sites in Dubai on the horizon and further growth planned for Asia. “It would be stupid not to expand because it works so well,” he says confidently. For now though, all eyes are on Oblix in London. And with that view, it’s not a bad sight.

august 2013 CW 27

Canary Wharf

bars & restaurants • fashion & style • arts & events canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

for him:

the knowledge AN ESSENTiaL ROUND-UP OF NEED-TO-KNOW NEWS & THE LATEST IN LUXURY LIFESTYLE

Front Row On 17 June, the tailors of Savile Row collaborated with The Woolmark Company and London’s finest shirt-makers and hatters for a presentation of their collected Spring Summer 14 looks as part of London Collections: Men. Jo Levin, the creative fashion director of British GQ, styled over 70 models for the presentation titled: ‘The English Gentleman’. Guests sipped Chivas whisky while models posed throughout the famous rooms and terraces of Lord’s Cricket Ground. The English Gentleman’s designs were underpinned by Savile Row’s trademark sophistication and reverence of British heritage tailoring. The colours varied between breezy pastels to primary blues. Citrus yellow jackets and mint green blazers were left unbuttoned over pure white chinos, while double-breasted navy and sea-blue jackets hugged polo shirts, off-white trousers and tieless shirts. The lightweight and soft grey suits that were dotted throughout the line-up featured pin stripes, flannel waistcoats and the occasional light blue tie complemented by a matching pocket square. D The English Gentleman, londoncollections.co.uk

style update: The Leather Jacket

Since being popularised by the musicians of the 1950s, the iconic leather jacket has only evolved with age. Fortunately for its fans, who have been granted no such timelessness, the leather jacket has entered a sophisticated age of fitted styles, relaxed colours and compatibility with wardrobes which feature chinos and laptop bags, rather than rhinestones and Fenders.

how to wear it

Massimo Dutti AW 2013-2014 Lookbook, Cabot Place

As with buying any jacket, the right fit is essential. Too tight will feel restrictive and too large will only distort your silhouette. The recent crop of leather jackets are sleek and sporty, designed without collars and with thin, if any, lapels in colours ranging from standard black to tans and olives. Even if you prefer more classic biker styles, the aesthetic to take away from this recent trend is the tailored fit. New leather jackets are often made from lamb or goat hide, which is more supple and streamlined than the horsehide used back in the 1950s. Pick a jacket as you would a blazer – they should hug your shoulders and end at your waist, not slouched over your hips.

What to wear it with

Lambskin Bomber Jacket, £1,425, Dolce & Gabbana, farfetch.com

Resist immediately reaching for jeans and opt for chinos. Chinos’ relaxed style complements the look of leather and makes the wearer appear casual, without trying too hard to be youthful. Stick with flattering earthy tones such as burgundy, moss green and faded navy. With t-shirts, avoid busy logos that will only make you look like the father of someone in a band; collared shirts in soft cotton or lightweight flannel fabrics sit best under leather.

What to avoid

Shearling Collar Leather Jacket, £1,050, Schot t, mrporter.com

Although a leather jacket may look carefree thrown over suit trousers, a white shirt and skinny tie for drinks after work, always err on the side of caution and avoid substituting a leather jacket for a blazer at the office. Deliberately dressing down a suit at work will always come across as careless, rather than stylish.

Where to buy Leather Jacket, £POA, Edwin, edwin - europe.com

Massimo Dutti (Cabot Place), Reiss (Jubilee Place) and Edwin (edwin-europe.com) all sell fitted leather jackets with enough traditional style accents to channel a hint of rebellion.

Look out for Buck Sow Suede Leather Jacket, £375, Reiss, Jubilee Place

Leather may be durable as a material, but as with any item of clothing if it’s improperly tailored it won’t last; so keep an eye out for scuffs or bunched and exposed stitching before making a purchase.

For Him

part-day pa If you have no time to pick up lunch today, or tomorrow for that matter, it’s time to email The Canary Wharf PA. The Canary Wharf PA is a monthly subscription service that carries out the jobs you are too busy to do. They order and collect lunches, ferry around dry-cleaning, pick up prescriptions and wrap gifts for £199 per month. You simply email them an hour before your desired delivery time at munch@thecanarywharfpa.com from Monday to Friday, 10 am – 2 pm.

STYLE

canary wharf’s

Mensphere Favourites

D The Canary Wharf PA, from £199 per month, thecanarywharfpa.com

Recipe For Men SPF 15 Facial Moisturizer, £27

scrub up

Mensphere transforms the routine of getting ready into a ritual with a lifestyle approach to gentlemen’s grooming and is known for retailing established brands alongside upand-coming industry newcomers. Mensphere boasts a gifting service with prepared and bespoke gift boxes categorised around three personalities: The Working Man, The Social Man and The Travelling Man. Ideal for frequent flyers, the latter features travel-sized essentials for shaving and styling on the go.

Osmium For Men Detoxify And Polish Skin Refiner, £21

D mensphere.com

custom job

Anthony The Cool Fix, £18

Porta Romana customers supply their own 4.5 metres of fabric to be upholstered onto a Marilyn Chair from the Evolution collection. The Marilyn Chairs are reminiscent of the post-war period when playfulness and optimism dared re-enter the interior design world and they can be customised to suit any room in the house. D Marilyn Chair, £2,916, portaromana.co.uk

pull-up a chair

Dinner parties are made by the food, company and the comfort of the chairs. Dedar’s new Alexander velvet chairs are upholstered with a soft brushed woollen velvet. The woollen velvet’s ultra-fine and densely woven composition makes it an ideal fabric for upholstery because it is so resistant to piling. In further testament to Dedar’s versatility with fabric, it offers

extremely fine wool satin as a wall-covering (as also seen pictured). The wool satin is spun from deceptively hardwearing Australian merino yarn that is resistant to abrasions and creates a subtle sheen. The wall-covering has an equally theatrical title, Aplomb, and comes in a choice of 30 colours. D Alexander Chairs and Aplomb Fabric, POA, dedar.com

august 2013 CW 31

Army Printed Satin Tulip Dress, £POA, Guy Laroche, guylaroche.com; Morganite Left Pendant, £33,000, and matching Morganite Leaf Earrings, £36,000, Pink Pearl, Pink Sapphires and Diamonds Ring (worn on right hand, third finger), £18,000, and Leaf Ring with Diamonds (worn on right hand, fourth finger), £8,500, all from the Autumn collection at MV Jewellery Theatre, 44 Old Bond Street, W1S, 020 7495 5544; Black Sting Ray Cuff with Crystals, £398, Butler & Wilson, 20 South Molton Street, W1K, 020 7409 2955

Guilty

Pleasures Bigger is definitely better when it comes to getting noticed; pair bright and bold accessories with classically elegant dresses for a style statement STYLIST Siouxsie

Photography Jon Attenborough

Fully Sequinned Cable Knit Style Top, £1,680, and Knee Length Satin Silk Skirt in Ink, £1,260, both Jenny Packham, jennypackham.com; Black ‘Caesar’ Head Band, £176, Louis Mariette, louismariette.com; Grey Crystal Large Flower Necklace, £148, Butler & Wilson, 20 South Molton Street, W1K, 020 7409 2955; Feather Sterling Silver Earrings with White Diamonds, £3,700, and Feather Sterling Silver Ring with Rose Quartz (worn on right hand) £800, Garrard, garrard.com, 24 Albemarle Street, W1S, 0845 278 2821; Dress Ring designed as Three Bombé Diamond-Set Sections with 45 Old Round Brilliant-Cut Diamonds, circa 1950s (worn on left hand, first finger), £3,000. Lucas Rarities, lucasrarities.com; Silver Chain Hand Jewellery (worn on left hand), £270, Delphine-Charlotte Parmentier, dcp-corp.com

Gold Collared Shirt and Gold Pencil Skirt with Embroidery, £POA, both Zeynep Tosun, zeyneptosun.com; Physalis Earrings with Golden Pearls and Diamonds, from the Caravaggio Collection, £19,800, Flower Ring with a Baroque Pearl and Diamonds from The Autumn Collection (worn on left hand), £58,500, all from MV Jewellery Theatre, as before; Handmade 18K Gold Feather ‘Sharyar’ Bangle, Set with Diamonds (worn on right wrist), £78,000, Sabine Roemer, by appointment only; French 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond and Emerald Dress Ring by Maison Boivin, circa 1950 (worn on right hand – just seen), £20,000, Lucas Rarities, lucasrarities.com

Mini Knitted Dress in Blue, with Embroidered Metal Studs And Rings, £7,990, Roberto Cavalli, 184 Sloane Street, SW1X; Deco Chandelier Earrings with Crystals, £297, Mawi, mawi.co.uk, 020 7923 1414; ‘The Britain Quartz,’ Cream Leather and Rose Front Watch (worn on left wrist) £2,050, Burberry, burberry.com; Cream Tortoise Shell Watch (worn on right wrist), £150, Vivienne Westwood, 44 Conduit St, W1S; 020 7439 1109; Rose ‘Siren’ Cuff (worn on right wrist), £390, Monica Vinader, monicavinader.com

Black Embellished Sequin Dress with Nude Mesh Panels, £POA, Julien Macdonald, julienmacdonald.com; Black Antler Tassel and Sequin Head Piece, £POA, Louis Mariette, as before; Star Earrings, £267, Mouton Collet, valerydemure.com; Black Sting Ray Cuff with Crystals (worn on left wrist), £398, Butler & Wilson, as before; Geometric Crystal Ring (worn on left hand), £216, Mawi, as before, 020 7923 1414; Apocalyptic Garden Wrapped Cuff (worn on right wrist), £140, Marc By Marc Jacobs at mywardrobe.com; Silver Shield Ring (worn on left hand), £300, Kyle Hopkins, kylehopkins.co.uk

Photographer: Jon Attenborough, lharepresents.com Stylist: Siouxsie, siouxsiestylist.com Make-Up: Charlotte Gaskell, lharepresents.com, using Laura Mercier Cosmetics and Essie Nails Hair: Carolina Crona, crona-hair.com, using L’Oréal Professionnel Stylist Assistants: Daisy Bunyan, Kimesha Campbell & Claudia Biele Model: Kriss E at Premier Model Management With a special thanks to the location, Plum + Spilt Milk at Great Northern Hotel, King’s Cross St Pancras Station, Pancras Road, N1C, plumandspiltmilk.com

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU · eXplorer + global CitiZen, los angeles · tumi.Com

tumi Canary wharF | unit r: s365 Cabot plaCe east | Canary wharF | london e14 4Qt | tel. 0044 (0) 20 7513 2456

new york · paris · milan · shanghai · london · tokyo · dubai · hong kong

for HER:

the knowledge AN ESSENTiaL ROUND UP OF NEED-TO-KNOW NEWS & THE LATEST IN LUXURY LIFESTYLE

Power Dressing

The Fold is a brand that encompasses the idea that women don’t have to dress masculine to look powerful. The Fold’s dresses all have demure lengths and necklines but are tailored to create bold and flattering silhouettes. A particular highlight of The Fold’s latest collection is the Bond Street dress, which incorporates soft lambskin leather binding in black or navy on a hugging, sleeveless crepe dress sealed by The Fold’s signature exposed gold zip. The Fold has been championing Dress For Success, a charity which gives London women from low-income backgrounds interview training and smart clothing to help them find work and realise their potential. In June, it collaborated with the Y.E.S! London Fashion Show Fundraiser that featured fashion shows and sales of designer brands from the likes of Dolce & Gabbana and Alexander McQueen, with all proceeds going towards Dress For Success. D Bond Street Dress in navy leather, £375, The Fold, thefoldlondon.com

beauty update:

Lighten up

This summer, keep luggage light by tailoring your travel beauty routine around one essential item

Glow Wear Lancôme’s new Teint Visionnaire is a luxuriously creamy concealer and foundation combination. Use a foundation brush to paint small circles of the luminous pore-minimalising foundation in any of 18 shades, and dot on the attached concealer for touchups on the go. The lightweight formula creates the glowing, dewy skin that underpins Lancôme’s naturalglamour signature. D Teint Visionnaire foundation, £36, Lancôme, lancome.co.uk

Beach Bella This Bella Bamba Ultra Plush lip gloss’s packaging is as sweet as its orangey sheer gloss and has the summery scent of watermelon. D Bella Bamba Ultra Plush lip gloss, £14.50, Benefit, Boots, Navy & Nude

Canada Place

nautical navy

Bobbi Brown’s limited-edition eye palette from its new Navy & Nude collection features two shelves of eight eye shadows. Slip the blue tortoise-shell compact into your hand luggage to have on hand the tools to create doe-eyed looks with shimmering pinks or to brave this season’s penchant for navy. D Navy & Nude Eye Palette, £48, Bobbi Brown, Canada Place

the lifestyle diet An old fitness quote says: “You can’t out-train a bad diet.” You can however, hire someone to help you improve it. At Canary Wharf’s Reebok Sports Club, qualified nutritionists offer bespoke nutritional therapy sessions. An initial hour-long consultation focuses on achieving a clear understanding of your health, diet and lifestyle. From these results a personal nutrition programme is created to factor in dietary changes, supplement recommendations and lifestyle advice for a period of four to six weeks until the desired health goals are achieved. D Nutritional Therapy, 020 7970 1280, Reebok Sports Club, Canada Square

40 CW xxxxxxxx 2013

For Her

whistle stop

There is no better testament to Whistles’ stellar success over the last few years than the brand’s decision to launch stores in China and Hong Kong for the first time. The expansion was prompted by a flurry of sales both online in Asia and by the continent’s tourists when visiting the UK. Whistles’ chief executive Jane Shepherdson defines the quintessential Whistles look as: “An effortless way of dressing. A sort of ‘I just threw it together and it worked’. We try to create collections that tell a story through design, fabric and colour, but also where each piece stands up on its own. It isn’t too formulaic. Each season we decide what will be the most covetable pieces that anyone would want to own.” D AW Collection, Whistles, Jubilee Place

nile style

Brabbu’s DALYAN armchair’s fanned back is inspired by the famous mud baths Cleopatra took in Turkey. And, while this Cleopatra reference may not be immediately obvious, the chair’s elegant curves and rich natural tones are enough of a talking point.

STYLE

of the best

holiday non-essentials

Carrie sunglasses, £367.53, Tom Ford, farfetch.com

Wild Tropics Do Brasil necklace, £396, Aurelie Bidermann, aureliebidermann.com

Mestizo printed scarf £140, Mario Testino For Mate, net-a- porter.com

D DALYAN armchair, £POA, brabbu.com

time to reflect

Zoffany’s new Quartz wallpaper collection is inspired by the brand’s archive of past prints and incorporates foil and inks designed to reflect light and create the illusion of space. D Quartz collection Cordennet 311005 wallpaper, £POA, zoffany.com

august 2013 CW 41

The Connection Collection

French Connection has launched its latest A/W 13 collection for men and women, and from its sixties-shifts to its rugged wind-breakers, expect one of its most diverse and exciting ranges yet

rench Connection, located in Canary Wharf’s Jubilee Place, has launched a new A/W 13 collection of menswear and womenswear, inspired by the facets of country and urban life. At times the womenswear collection nods to the sixties with retro-shapes and silhouettes, at others it channels a strong equestrian feel in the form of jodhpurs and riding jackets. The range is underpinned by clean shades of black and white, but the palette is broken-up by stand-out pieces in graphic prints, and glittering sequinned dresses. Look out for fun wardrobe staples, which include textured shift-dresses and fox-motif knits. French Connection’s A/W 13 menswear features a combination of classic-tailoring and rugged outerwear which wholeheartedly embraces

the great outdoors. Rich autumnal colours of burnt orange, mustard yellow and burgundy pop against monochrome tones, creating a clean, preppy look that’s perfect for winter. The pieces from the collection work harmoniously together; the chinos and light-weight waxed-jackets, will be complemented later in the season with the release of bulky knits and quilted jackets, ideal for when the weather turns colder. The collection’s colours branch a spectrum of twilight-blues and golden-yellows to deep-plums. Must-have pieces include a durable and colourful windbreaker jacket and comfortable but smart, stretchcorduroy jeans. D French Connection, Jubilee Place, frenchconnection.com

SHOPPING

STATEMENT SEASON

After a summer saturated with florals, Whistles’ has launched a tough new A/W 13 collection that’s ready to make a statement. See how at their JUBILEE PLACE STORE

histles’ bold AW13 collection breaks away from summer-staples and kicks off Autumn in style. This season, Whistles (found in Jubilee Place) contrasts bold silhouettes, flashes of camouflage and wet-look leather, alongside the brand’s signature elegant pieces. A penchant for leather adds instant edge to the collection and the material appears in different forms from high-shine polished-leather to an embossed crocodile print. Cut to hug the body, each piece creates streamlined silhouettes ideal for work and after hours. To create a similar impact, utilitarian shapes are updated in the form of an oversized-parka, a simple pair of tailored trousers and a tea dress with rounded sleeves. Feminine fabrics make an appearance, with luxe knitwear in the form of cashmere and angora oversized sweaters available in a series

of romantic colours ranging from antique pink to soft silver-grey, which are perfect to throw over pencil skirts and tailored trousers. As part of the collection’s pronounced naval influence are a series of sea-inspired patterns featuring distorted shapes, and hazy marbling on silks and light wools. Oversized pea-coats, cocoon throw ons and sheepskin aviator jackets are ready for winter and beautifully crafted with quilt detailing for comfort. A range of accessories complement the collection with wardrobestaple luxury knit bags, oversized clutches and classic totes. Unique musthaves include reworked camera case bags and retro pocket coin purses in luxe fabrics, such as butter soft suede and ponyskin. D Whistles, Jubilee Place, whistles.co.uk

www.canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

collection

treasured timepieces, fine and contemporary jewellery and luxury goods

The Code Breakers

When Bremont transported us to Bletchley Park last month, we went back 70 years to wartime, code-breaking Britain. The role played by Bletchley in decrypting German ciphers is widely recognised; what you mightn’t know is that Bremont’s new limited edition watch incorporates into its design historical Bletchley artefacts. Unveiled before the eyes of four veterans who worked at the site during WWII, the Codebreaker features parts of an Enigma machine in its rotor, wood from the iconic Hut 6 (the centre of operations during WWII) and paper from one of the centre’s few remaining punch cards. Investing in one of the 240 steel (£11,995) or 50 rose gold (£21,950) versions will help to preserve an important part of British history; a percentage of proceeds will go towards restoration of the legendary park. D bremont.com

CONTESSA To own a rare Argyle pink diamond is to own a truly magnificent heirloom. Contessa, beautifully handcrafted in Platinum and 18ct Rose Gold, features an exquisite combination of stunning craftsmanship and the rarest of Australian Argyle pink diamonds. Simply, they are the rarest diamonds in the world and are revered for their unique provenance and intrinsic beauty.

UNITED KINGDOM The Royal Arcade, Old Bond St, Mayfair London W1S 4SW AUSTRALIA Sydney Gold Coast calleija.com

Calleija-CountryTownUK-298x225mm_v1.indd 1

25/01/12 11:51 AM

COLLECTION

LA VIE EN ROSE

TO PARIS WITH LOVE

Paris has been a source of inspiration for Cartier ever since it was founded there in 1847 so what better way for the jewellery house to pay homage to the French capital than with a fine jewellery collection? Its iconic architecture, landmarks and moods have been captured in the Nouvelle Vague collection, with jewels such as Sparkling, Mischievous, Emancipated and Glamour. So, thanks to the Parisian jeweller’s new collection, we’ll always have Paris. D cartier.com

jewellery Jewels, gems, pearls and diamonds; the essential components of any lady’s jewellery collection

CUTTING EDGE

Last year, Lalique illustrated its comeback into the jewellery industry with a collection themed around a symbol of the phoenix rising from the ashes. This year sees the mythical bird transform into a butterfly to represent the jewellery house’s second contribution to the world of fine jewellery. Head of design Quentin Obadia comments on his Soulmates collection:

“As an iconic motif of LALIQUE, the butterfly and its movements captivated founder René Lalique’s imagination and has therefore been interpreted in many forms since the House was established. The jewellery from the Soulmates Collection draws upon this sense of heritage, combining sapphires, pearls, aquamarine and other precious materials to honour the fascination of its founder and an insect synonymous with the LALIQUE name”

Fifteen new pieces have bloomed from Piaget’s signature Rose collection. Launched in 2012 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Yves Piaget rose, the latest additions reinterpret the romantic symbol with ultra-feminine models bursting with colour and vitality. Featuring pink tourmalines, exquisite pink opals and diamonds coupled with intricate lacework, each piece accentuates the beauty of the Swiss house’s muse. D piaget.com

LION’S DEN

In June, Chanel opened its longanticipated London flagship store on New Bond Street, and with it came a new high jewellery collection. Sous le Signe du Lion is, as you might expect, a paean to the big cat; the feline creature has strong ties to Chanel’s mistress who was not only born under the Leo zodiac sign but also remained fascinated by this powerful beast following her trip to Venice in 1920 where it represents the city’s patron saint. Staying true to the fashion maison, the 58 pieces dare to be different. D chanel.com

D Pysche Nighttime Long necklace and ring, both POA, lalique.com

AUGUST 2013 CW 47

Great

Expectations Olivia Sharpe meets Jessica McCormack, a designer expertly blending vintage inspiration with a modern interpretation

essica McCormack is at the forefront of contemporary jewellery design, with a client base which includes Madonna, Alexa Chung and Carine Roitfeld. However, while well-known by the cognoscenti of the industry, she remains under the radar. However, for the independent jeweller, this is the way she’s always preferred it. Opening her first boutique in 2007 in inconspicuous Clerkenwell, Jessica operated on an appointment-only basis and, over the course of five years, built up a steady following and produced five diamond jewellery collections. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Jessica’s business began as a hobby. It wasn’t until her internship at Sotheby’s in London that she discovered her passion. Here, the New Zealand-born woman fell in love with the vintage glamour and decadence of ‘old school’ houses such as Lalique, Cartier and Boucheron. For Jessica, they epitomised a past era of “family jewellers” who put their clients first and created timeless jewels. It was at this time that Jessica also unearthed her love for diamonds but found that they had lost their place in contemporary society. She therefore explained that she wished “to re-evaluate people’s perception of fine jewellery and precious stones, breaking down barriers on how diamonds are considered worn and used”. In each of her

collections, Jessica juxtaposes different styles, cuts and settings of the precious gemstone to create individual pieces which still remain within the confines of established style codes. For example, the Torpedo earrings (part of the Transposed collection) feature reverse-cut diamonds to show the multi-faceted effects that can be created from the stones. Having had no formal training, Jessica was possibly more daring than most, unafraid to experiment with unconventional settings and break rules. Part of the same collection, the Pipe ring illustrates her gift of bringing jewellery into the 21st century with its industrial design more akin to a “tiny piece of art”. The brand has recently come further into the limelight with the opening of its new flagship store in the heart of London’s jewellery capital, Mayfair. Jessica first visited the area eight years ago and fell in love with the “sense of community, rich history and glamour.” While this may seem a dramatic shift from Clerkenwell, this isn’t the case. For Jessica, it epitomises “proper old school London” with its cobbled streets and old ale houses straight out of a Dickensian novel and so too does Carlos Place with its Victorian red brick houses. And, being situated opposite one of London’s historic crown jewels, the Connaught Hotel, Jessica found her home away from home. It took the team two years to transform 7 Carlos Place into “an expression of the brand’s identity”.

Jessica wishes to “re-evaluate people’s perception of fine jewellery and precious stones”

Tattoo earrings

Snowdrop hoops

COLLECTION

Wing of Desire earring

New York Reflection Ring

Torpedo diamond earrings

They began by stripping back the 1980s office block and restoring as many of the original Victorian features. Jessica then filled the house with her own curated collection of contemporary artwork, design and antique pieces by the likes of Ryan McGinley, Rick Owens, Louise Bourgeois and the Haas Brothers. The designer also spent a good deal of time sourcing unusual and beautiful objects from around the world. Jessica never at any point called upon interior designers, instead trusting in her own gut instinct. While acknowledging that this “may not be the most sophisticated business strategy”, the self-confessed control freak also points out that it’s never failed her yet. And, judging from the finished product, she was right. Like her collections, the eclectic decor “contrasts the old with the new”; here, an avant-garde lighting installation by David Wiseman works in harmony with an antique writing desk and a 1930s safety deposit box. The store was designed as a “destination retail experience.” Unlike the grand boutiques on Bond Street, Jessica wanted to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where clients could come and feel at home. She explains: “I didn’t want it to be intimidating. I wanted people to be able to come in, have a look round and try things on without feeling uncomfortable.” Visitors are welcomed into the Jewellery Room where they can either look at the main collections or else wander into the adjoining garden for afternoon tea. The garden was an essential feature for Jessica, “bringing a sense of calm from the hectic world outside”. Up the grand mahogany staircase is the Piano Room where the defining feature is of course the Based Upon piano (you may recognise it from Masterpiece 2013). This part of the house has an even more intimate feel; this is where clients come to pick out engagement rings. As a result of this experience, people often end up leaving Jessica McCormack

Diamond bangles

with a totally new perspective on jewellery. By using the store to contextualise her work and vice versa, she in turn highlights the versatility of her diamond creations. Half an hour with Jessica and any preconceived ideas you had will be changed forever: “I show my clients how you can wear them in the day and the night-time. So many of my clients have come in and said how they hate diamonds but by the end of it I have people absolutely covered in them,” she declares proudly. As well as designing new pieces, Jessica also offers a service whereby people can come in and update their existing jewellery as, for the designer, it should always be about conveying the timelessness of diamond jewellery and how it can “be passed down from generation to generation”. Jessica therefore remains as much the family jeweller as she always was. It was never about “trying to open 100 stores and sell in China. I’ve always done my own thing.” And, both for our sake and the jewellery industry, I hope she never stops. D Jessica McCormack, 7 Carlos Place, W1K jessicamccormack.com

Daisy ring

august 2013 CW 49

collection

1 4 3 2

Culture

Clash

This year’s tribal trend has taken a futuristic turn with geometric shapes and striking colours

D 1 Triangle Swarovski earrings, POA, Oscar de la Renta, oscardelarenta.com D 2 Silver-tone, resin, cord and satin necklace, £120, Marc by Marc Jacobs, net-a-porter.com D 3 Arrow Complex necklace, £630, Scho at Kabiri, kabiri.co.uk D 4 Smoky quartz necklace with etched bead, £355, Manguette, manguette.com D 5 Gold-tone multi-stone

necklace, £221, Etro, net-a-porter.com D 6 Blackrok necklace, £600, Manish Arora for Amrapali, amrapalijewels.com D 7 Gold-tone resin clip earrings, £200, Marni, net-a-porter.com D 8 18-karat rose gold, diamond and onyx earrings, £6,710, Gucci, gucci.com D 9 Double open arch gold-plated ring, £310, Maiyet, net-a-porter.com D 10 Thin gold ring, £75, Gina Melosi at Kabiri, kabiri.co.uk D 11 Tribe yellow gold and silver cuff, £550, Amrapali, amrapalijewels.com D 12 Celeste necklace, £1,150,

Manish Arora for Amrapali, amrapalijewels.com

50 CW august 2013

FESTIVAL OF

FOOD & WINE

RACEDAY SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER Be inspired by an array of tantalising local food and wines from around the world as celebrity chef, James Martin, presents a live cookery demonstration between a thrilling seven-race card.

TICKETS FROM ÂŁ18PP. FINE DINING AVAILABLE.

ascot.co.uk

collection

New Zenith flies into Canary Wharf

Lovers of aviation watches will be pleased to learn that Canary Wharf’s specialist watch and jeweller Charles Fish has just taken stock of Zenith’s new Pilot Type 20 Annual Calendar. The watch is one of six new timepieces that pay tribute to the brand’s 100-year commitment to aviation. In addition to the hours, minutes, small seconds and a chronograph with 60-minute counter at 6 o’clock, the Type 20 Annual Calendar displays an annual calendar – showing the date, day of the week and month – that requires just one adjustment per year. Should that not impress you enough, where similar complications require 30 or 40 moving parts, Zenith’s comprises just nine. D Type 20 Annual Calendar in steel, £7,300, Zenith charlesfish.co.uk

watches

For treasured timepieces, horological heirlooms and modern masterpieces, watch this space...

ONE TO WATCH

Sandy Madhvani, Showroom Manager at David M Robinson in Canary Wharf, selects his watch of the moment:

“45mm in size and made of a material harder than ceramic, the PAM 505 is definitely a man’s watch. If further proof were needed, the words Black Seal printed on its dial reference a type of torpedo used by the Italian Navy. Grrr!”

UNCOMPLICATED CHOICE

A whistle-stop tour of the world’s latest timepieces, Baselworld can become a blur of bezels, cases, dials and movements. To stand out from the horological crowd, a brand must present something pretty spectacular – which is exactly what MeisterSinger did this year with its Singulator. 43mm in diameter and possessing only the thinnest of bezels, the single-hand watch displays time via three separate hands – the first in the world to do so. The simple, elegant design of the watch certainly struck a chord with us – fitting seeing as the brand’s logo is the fermata musical note. If you think it looks good on this page, believe us, it’s even prettier in real life. D Singulator, £4,580, MeisterSinger, meistersinger.net

A CHARITABLE INITIATIVE

From one German manufacture to another; if you’re looking for a watch of smart simplicity and happen to be in a charitable mood at the same time, then gift yourself a NOMOS Tangente and donate international health care charity Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) £100 in doing so. The limited-edition hand-wound watches feature a red twelve, the name Doctors Without Borders on their white silver-plated dial and an engraving on the back referring to the humanitarian organisation. Only 1,000 of the 33mm and 35mm models will be produced, with the sale of each helping to support a body that supplies impartial aid to war-torn areas and those suffering from natural disasters. D NOMOS watches are available in Mappin &

D PAM505, £6,600, Panerai

Webb, Watches of Switzerland and Wempe

Available at David M Robinson, Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf

nomos-glashuette.com

52 CW august 2013

Swiss movement, English heart

Made in Switzerland / Sellita SW200-1 self-winding movement / 38 hour power reserve / 42mm marine-grade 316L stainless steel case / Water resistant to 300 metres / 4mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal / Unique engraved serial number / Italian leather deployment strap

217_ChristopherWard_CanaryWharf.indd 1

11/07/2013 09:03

collection

4 3

Getting

Reddy

For a touch of true class, rely on golds, elegant burgundies and browns

9 8

D 1 Silk scarf, £165, Budd Shirt Makers, buddshirts.co.uk D 2 Dunhill Club oval glasses, £170, Alfred Dunhill, Cabot Place D 3 Chronofighter 1695 watch, £14,790,

Graham Watches, jurawatches.co.uk D 4 Double face pocket square, £35, Thomas Pink, Cabot Place D 5 Solid suspenders, £60, Brooks Brothers, brooksbrothers.com D 6 Engraved rose gold-plated tie clip, £100, Lanvin, mrporter.com D 7 Knitted silk tie, £65, Budd Shirt Makers, buddshirts.co.uk D 8 Metropolitan dark brown Victoria

satchel, £1,140, Ettinger, ettinger.co.uk D 9 De Ville Co-Axial Chronograph 42 mm in rose gold with leather strap, £18,270, Omega, David M Robinson, Jubilee Place D 10 Black mother of pearl collar stiffeners, £55, Alfred Dunhill, Cabot Place D 11 Hologram skull enamel cufflinks, £95, Alexander McQueen, matchesfashion.com

54 CW august 2013

Summer

in canary wharf This summer, make the most of the warm evenings and long nights by heading to Canary Wharf for a vibrant mix of live music, sporting highlights, Food Events and even something for the kids

LIVE MUSIC

jazz festival

Canary Wharf’s free jazz festival arrives at Canada Square Park* with live jazz in one beautiful summer setting across a weekend. Soweto Kinch, Omar Puente and Carleen Anderson are just some of the influential jazz and soul stars taking to the stage this year, amongst other world-class artists and rising stars appearing back-to-back during the weekend. So whether you are completely new to jazz or a committed aficionado don’t miss this festival. Furthermore, throughout August, Boisdale of Canary Wharf is hosting their own series of unmissable jazz nights. Boisdale of Canary Wharf is a two-floor venue overlooking Cabot Square which comprises a restaurant, four private dining rooms, oyster bar and grill with a terrace, whisky bar, Cuban cigar library and shop and live music venue. D Free to watch / Friday 16 – Sunday 18 August Friday 7 – 10pm / Saturday 1.30 – 10pm / Sunday 1.30 – 8.15pm

Twilight Delights

Twilight Delights is a series of free open air concerts suited for every music taste. Take a seat in one of the stage-facing restaurants: ROKA, Wahaca, Canteen and The Parlour, and enjoy show tunes from the golden age of musical theatre as the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra perform classics from Rodgers & Hammerstein. For more West End Classics, enjoy show tunes from My Fair Lady, Miss Saigon and the world’s most successful musical, Les Misérables. Towards the end of August, as the weather gets cooler so does the music, with rock ‘n’ roll tribute performances of Buddy Holly and a night of swinging hits from The BBC Big Band with Frank & Ella. Tuesday 6 August Twilight Delights: West End Classics Tuesday 13 August Twilight Delights: Rockabilly Roll with Buddy & Roy Tuesday 20 August Twilight Delights: The BBC Big Band with Frank & Ella D Free to watch

events FOOD

PLAY

TRUCK STOP

ping!

For a vibrant food festival by the waterfront, head to Wood Wharf. More than 20 of the UK’s best food trucks will be serving a variety of food, from BBQ ribs to sushi, out of converted old fire engines, milk floats and ambulances. Browse the craft beer bar, try a snack from the roadside diner, pull a pint at Camden Town Brewery’s keg party, visit the taco shack, enter the ‘secret’ Gin Bar, and end the day at the Rotary cocktail bar with live music and plenty of seating.

Canary Wharf‘s popular table tennis event Ping! returns with four full size tables in Jubilee Place where everyone is welcome to play, compete, learn from professional coaches or just watch sporting legends in showcase matches. Why not enter a team to be this year’s Canary Wharf’s Ping! Champions?

D Thursday 1 & Friday 2 August / 5-11pm / Wood Wharf, Canary Wharf

D Free / Friday 2 – Sunday 11 August

For ticket information visit truckstoplondon.com

Mon – Fri: 11am-5.30pm / Sat: 10am-6pm / Sun: 12-6pm

picnic

family film club

Canary Wharf’s family weekends continues into August with family friendly films screened on the outdoor Summer Screens in Canada Square Park*. Bring a picnic from Waitrose Food, Fashion & Home or Carluccio’s and revel in an enjoyable afternoon watching fun-filled films with your family and friends. Make a day of it and dine in one of Canary Wharf’s child-friendly restaurants like Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Wildwood, Pizza Express or Tom’s Kitchen, who have a fantastic weekend family brunch offer. Visit Ibérica La Terraza for some al fresco style dining where children can take part in free Olé Kids Spanish workshops at the weekends. Saturday 3 August 1pm - Fantastic Mr Fox (PG) 3pm – Dennis (PG) Saturday 10 August 1pm – Big (PG) 3pm – Hotel for Dogs (PG) D Free to watch

* Canada Square Park - space is unreserved and sometimes limited and portable furniture, glass bottles and glasses are not permitted

Courtesy Everett Collection / Rex Features

www.canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

art

VISUAL ARTS

WINDOW GALLERIES

until 30 aug

The Art & Design Window Galleries along Jubilee Walk and Canada Walk in Canada Place showcase up-and-coming artists, designers and craftspeople.

until 30 aug

Nazan Alhas: For Love

HALIMA CASSELL Catching the Light: Sculpture and Sculptural Ceramics

Nazan’s collection is based on the teachings, mysticism, poetry and philosophy of the 12th-century Muslim saint Hz Mevlana. On display are hand symbols representing whirling dervishes and silver, gold and gold-plated hands decorated with gems and engraved texts.

D Free to see / nazan.co.uk

When encountering Cassell’s work, it is clear that she enjoys the play of light on sharply carved geometric incisions or organic patterns. At the heart of her work is her Islamic heritage, and her deep interest in Western, Asian and African art and architecture. Cassell employs a wide range of media, although clay is her main concern. A highlight in this exhibition is Virtues of Unity 2010-13, a collection now reaching 30 pieces made from clays that come from different countries. D Free to see / Lobby, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf

Community Window Gallery Tower Hamlets – Telling Tales This exhibition explores the lives and stories of women living in Tower Hamlets today. Photographer Sultana Miah and writer Caroline Gilfillan undertook reminiscence work with women from the Golden Time groups who meet in the borough’s libraries and Idea Stores, and the results are a series of photographic portraits reflecting the life of women in the borough. D Free to see / towerhamlets.co.uk / ideastore.co.uk

until 11 sept

Gary Philips:

Infused with both history and humour, Gary’s art is made of discarded and found objects which can date as far back as 2000 years. The results combine the industrial nature of the process with the beauty of the finished product. Philips can often be found exploring the River Thames looking for treasures. D Free to see / thamesart.co.uk

NEWS Film Festival to Reinvigorate Abandoned East End Hospital

‘Shuffle’ is a ten day festival of films curated by Danny Boyle. The event will breathe new life into an abandoned hospital in Bow Road, Tower Hamlets from 8-18 August. The grounds will be turned into a vibrant space with live music, food, bars, art exhibitions, talks on the history of psychiatric care and Q and A sessions with leading film Directors such as Danny Boyle. The festival is reviving the old St Clement’s Hospital site, which had fallen into disuse and disrepair over the past five years. The site has been taken on the East London Community Land Trust, which is working with Linden Homes and the Mayor of London to create London’s first-ever community land trust. The Trust aims to build family sized homes, available for sale to local people at a cost linked to local incomes, on the condition that they are always resold on the same basis.” D For more details and for tickets visit shufflefestival.com

New Hospice Garden Delivered by Canary Wharf Contractors

Residents, visitors and staff of Demelza Hospice Care for Children in Sittingbourne, Kent have a brand new landscaped ‘Garden of Tranquillity’, thanks to the efforts of Canary Wharf Contractors Limited. The Canary Wharf Contractors team and their supply chain, currently building the 25/30 Churchill Place development at Canary Wharf, has donated design and project management services, construction equipment, labour, materials, trees and shrubs to create the garden over the past nine months. In the process, they have raised over £500,000 in cash and in-kind donations from almost 70 or their sub-contractors and suppliers, with staff volunteering their labour over numerous weekends to create the Garden. Cormac MacCrann, Executive Director of Canary Wharf Contractors said: “We have been a staunch supporter of Demelza for many years and it is terrific that we have been able to bring our collaborative approach to project delivery to build this garden for them.”

Canary Wharf Appoints its First Muslim Chaplain

The expanding Canary Wharf Chaplaincy has appointed Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra as its first dedicated Muslim Chaplain. The Canary Wharf Chaplaincy serves the community of people working and living in the area with pastoral care and spiritual support. Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra will be working with the Chaplaincy Team one day a week work providing an open door and a listening ear to the Canary Wharf working population of all faiths and none. In addition he will provide support for Canary Wharf’s Muslim community and faith advice for companies. Ibrahim brings to the chaplaincy a wealth of experience. Having served as an imam for over 20 years, he has provided pastoral and spiritual care to people from all walks of life. He joins a Chaplaincy team which already includes anglican priests Reverend Dr. Fiona StewartDarling, Bishop’s Chaplain to Docklands, Mgr Vladimir Feltzmann, a Roman Catholic Priest and Rabbi Moshe Freeman, the Jewish Chaplain. D canarywharfchaplaincy.co.uk

www.canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

canary wharf full page july.indd 1

01/07/2013 15:18:56

work

We keep tabs on the movers and makers shaping the worlds of business and finance

State of Play Statistics from The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) have found that the travel and tourism industry accounts for one in every twelve jobs, a fraction that adds up to the employment of 255 million people, a number set to increase by 73 million by 2022. The possible financial gains of the tourism boom have not gone unnoticed by both companies and countries alike. Hilton Worldwide has launched the Europe-wide careers event, ‘Careers@Hitlon Live’, which will host 300 events aimed at raising awareness about careers in hospitality. Burma’s government, on the other hand, has drawn up a plan with Asian Development Bank and Norway’s government to invest $500 million into a seven-year plan to upgrade the country’s tourism to an annual target of 7.48 million visitors by 2020. Further west, tourism officials in Florida have announced that more people visited the state in the first three months of 2013 than any other quarter of its history, suggesting holidays aren’t just a quick break anymore, but a long-term investment. D wttc.org

business digest Affluent Investors Defy Global Trends Capgemini, in partnership with RBC Wealth Management, has announced that the world’s population of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) increased by 0.8 per cent to 11 million in 2011. Yet, overall wealth has declined by 1.7 per cent to USD $42 trillion. The findings, published in Capgemini’s World Wealth Report 2012, also found that in 2011 Asia-Pacific beat North America for the first time to become the single largest home to HNWIs. North America’s HNWIs, however, still account for the world’s largest regional share of investable wealth. D capgemini.com

O2 BRINGS WI-FI TO CANARY WHARF O2 is to install free wi-fi throughout Canary Wharf’s public areas by the end of the summer, which will benefit the area’s 100,000-strong business community and entice shoppers into visiting the area. Since O2 wi-fi launched two years ago it has added over 8,000 hotspots and six million customers to its service, making O2 the fastest growing wi-fi operator in the country. D o2.co.uk

ELEVATOR EVOLUTION

One factor that majorly impacts the height to which tall buildings can be built is the distance a single elevator can operate over before the weight of its steel rope becomes unsupportable (approximately 500 metres). KONE, a leader in the lift industry, has developed the revolutionary new carbon-fibre ‘KONE UltraRope’, which enables a lift to travel to a height of one kilometre. This lighter rope reduces a lift’s overall energy consumption and lasts twice as long as conventional steel rope. Furthermore, due to a special coating, no lubrication is required in maintaining it. This new technology could be crucial in every city’s race to keep up with ever expanding populations: the United Nations has estimated that by 2050, seven out of every ten people will live in a city. D kone.com

News

work

city workers show mixed feelings

A survey by Markit found that the UK service sector, which accounts for 75 per cent of the UK economy, grew at its fastest rate for more than two years in June 2013. The results immediately shot up the value of the pound: against the US dollar, the pound increased by 0.6 per cent to $1.5250. Markit expects the UK economy to grow by 0.5 per cent in 2013’s second quarter.

A survey of 1,000 employees in the financial sector by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has revealed the extent to which the financial crisis has impacted on workers’ morale. The survey found that fewer than one in three workers in the financial sector are proud to work in finance. Furthermore, eight out of ten workers in banking said they think their colleagues are paid excessively and twothirds feel that their sector’s incentives reward inappropriate behaviour.

D markit.com

D cipd.co.uk

Service Sector boosts pound

Deutsche’s Golden Investment Deutsche Bank have established one of the largest custodial and vaulting services for gold at the Singapore Freeport. Deutsche Bank is a global clearing member of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and a market leader in precious metal services. The vault has the capacity to store up to 200 tonnes of gold bullion in a state-of-the-art facility on behalf of Deutsche Bank’s clients. This development has reaffirmed the German Deutsche Bank’s market-leading position in commodities trading in Asia. D db.com

Octopus Reaches Out

Octopus Investments is launching its first institutional-ventures fund: a fund designed to bridge the gap between established institutional-investor funding and venture capital trust (VCT) funding. It will deliver a partial exit for investors from Octopus Investments’ star portfolio companies – Zoopla, Graze, Secret Escapes and Calastone – while still allowing VCT investors to benefit from future growth of the companies. A lull in institutional-investors in recent years has impacted the UK’s VCT’s ability to provide follow-up funding to high-growth early-stage businesses. However, an increasing amount of

early-stage companies accelerating into global multi-million pound businesses is creating a compelling case that institutional-investors should invest in this end of the market. Octopus Investments’ new fund is specifically designed to attract institutional-investors, which in turn encourages greater investment

into European smaller companies. This new fund’s structure allows VCT investors to retain 50 per cent of their original investment into Zoopla, Graze, Secret Escapes and Calastone, whilst opening up the VCT fund to continue investing smaller companies in the UK. The institutional-investors in the new fund are Deutsche Bank’s private Equity & Private Markets, the private-equity platform of the bank’s Asset & Wealth Management division, and Seligman Private Equity Select LLP, a fund-of-funds exclusively dedicated to small European private-equity funds. D octopusinvestments.com

august 2013 CW 63

Weathering the Storm

Since the onset of the financial crisis five years ago, mental health problems have become more common in the City. Susan McKenzie reports on how companies and employees are handling pressure

recent survey by Mind, the mental health charity, found that not only is work the most stressful factor in people’s lives, but one in five take time off due to the pressure. Emma Mamo, policy and campaigns manager at the charity, says that 90 per cent of workers who take time off for stress give their employers a different reason. Overall, attitudes to mental health issues are improving, but the workplace hasn’t moved on enough, says Mamo. “The feeling is that most workplaces have pressure, and if you cannot cope, it is a weakness. The legal and banking sectors are the most discriminatory, where there is a lot of stigma still attached to mental health issues.” Dr Michael Sinclair, a consultant psychologist at City Psychology Group, says that since the beginning of the financial crisis he has seen more and more City workers suffering severe symptoms. The author of the

self-help book, Fear and Loathing in the City: a guide to keeping sane in the Square Mile, he says this is a sign that people are delaying seeking critical treatment. Sinclair argues attitudes are changing, but most patients are anxious about other people’s reactions and worried that they may be first for the chopping block if they admit a problem. “Many people suffering with a mental health issue will do the opposite of what their body needs – work longer to prove there is not a problem. This eventually leads to complete burn-out. To suffer in silence is the worst reaction.” One former City worker agreed that trying to hide the problem merely exacerbates the issues. “I felt huge shame in what was happening. It started with high levels of anxiety on the way to work and developed into an absolute inability to make any decisions, large or small – and that is completely unacceptable in a bank. My confidence vanished and fear became allpervading. I was embarrassed by the way I felt, I had a good job, a good salary, I couldn’t explain to anyone

Feature

what was wrong.” Eventually he was diagnosed with depression and says the company was surprisingly understanding and supportive. On some levels, organisations are making an effort to deal with the increase in stress-induced sick leave. One HR manager at a major investment bank said that most organisations have an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a counselling service available to staff should they need support. Yet there is still a general scepticism. “There is a component of this that is cynical. It Andrew ‘Freddie’ Jonny could relate more Flintoff Wilkinson to the individual’s own circumstances and less to do with the amount of work they have to do. There is often, perhaps, a different agenda,” noted the HR manager. Mind’s Emma Mamo agrees: “There is a view that some people are playing the mental health card. We have worked with some of the banks where they have held wellbeing days for their staff. But the staff say their workload is too great to participate so it becomes just a token gesture.” So what can organisations do to support their employees? According to Mamo it is about being proactive, not about weeding out the weak but looking to boost employee engagement. Rob Briner, professor of organisational psychology at Bath University argues that there are better ways of addressing the issues. The problem with stress, he says, is that it groups all possible problems together. “When people talk about stress, they may have

WORK

anxiety, depression or feel harassed. HR departments are a bit confused about this and do not seem to be prepared to pin down what the specific problems are.” Briner thinks that the role of the line manager is critical. “What you commonly hear is that line managers are not being supported by their own boss and then fail to provide support to their own staff. It is a trickle-down thing.” While the stigma attached to mental health issues remains ingrained in society and particularly in the City, there are some Alastair improvements in Campbell attitudes as more high-profile people come forward to discuss their own experiences. Alastair Campbell, former spokesman for Tony Blair, published an ebook about his breakdown 25 years ago and his battle with depression. Sportsmen such as England cricketer Andrew Flintoff and rugby’s Jonny Wilkinson have both discussed their fight with what Flintoff described as a “crippling psychological injury”. The Government is working with Mind on ‘Time to Change’, an anti-stigma campaign that works with employers to support the mental health of their staff. Such campaigns and publicity will help influence opinions about mental health problems but it has certainly not gone far enough to banish the misunderstandings and prejudices about those enduring anxiety and depression.

There are some improvements in attitudes as high-profile people come forward to discuss their own experiences, including celebrities like Alastair Campbell, Andrew Flintoff and Jonny Wilkinson...

D mind.org.uk

august 2013 CW 65

New Zinc showroom now open 1 Chelsea Wharf, 15 Lots Road, London SW10 0QJ

0679_Zinc Kensington & Chelsea Ad_Apr12_AW.indd 1

09/03/2012 16:51

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bringing you all the best in motoring, gadGets and sporting diversions

Track Star

The world’s racing elite heading east for the Singapore Grand Prix will have to do more than win this year to steal the spotlight. The Singapore Grand Prix’s two-day schedule features performers, parades and parties spilling out of the park circuit into the corners of the island, making the event as much about the festivities as the racing. The headlining acts include Rihanna taking to Singapore’s largest outdoor stage on 22 September as part of her 2013 Diamonds World Tour, and a performance from The Killers preceding the qualifying F1 competition on 21 September. New this year, a Pit Lane Walk will showcase a motorsports carnival (in collaboration with the Institute of Technical Education) which will include free preview screenings of the movie Rush. Then, with great theatrics, Singapore will host Formula 1’s only night-race through the urban-embedded Marina Bay Street Circuit. It has recently been announced that Singapore will continue to host the F1 Championship until 2017; which begs the question, in five years’ time will spectators be attending for the sport or for the party? D grandprixevents.com

The Bold The Beautiful Salon Privé, the UK’s top boutique motoring event at Syon Park, is an essential diary date; admire the best international supercars and luxury brands up close while sipping champagne in the sunshine. ANNABEL HARRISON reports

ow, I cannot profess to be a motoring aficionado but I was immediately enthralled by the gleaming row of automobiles lined up as immaculately as a platoon of soldiers, in a rainbow of colours offset by bright green grass. Of course, browsing potential supercar purchases, or just admiring them, requires a certain level of sustenance so I sipped a glass of Pommery as I wandered, stopping for lobster luncheon and afternoon tea. It was the perfect day, in fact, although I would have dearly loved to win the exquisite Boodles ring on offer last year for the Best Dressed lady. Welcome to Salon Privé, ladies and gentlemen, now entering its eighth consecutive year and taking place 4-6 September in the 200-acre grounds of west London’s beautiful Syon Park. If you’re a petrolhead, you should certainly know of it; its status as the UK’s most prestigious Luxury Supercar Show & Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance places Salon Privé among the leading automotive shows of the world, alongside the world-famous Pebble Beach in the US and Italy’s Villa d’Este. An exciting new addition to the Salon Privé line-up this year is the Audemars Piguet British Supercar Show – the first of its kind in the UK – incorporating two new exhibitions. The Hypercar Collection showcases the world’s fastest, most expensive vehicles in production, including the Koenigsegg Agera R, Pagani Huayra, Ruf CTR-3 and SSC Aero GT. The Concepts & Prototypes

Display will feature an array of spectacular models such as the Alfa Romeo Zagato TZ3, Ford Evos and Lightning GT as well as the Spyker B6 Venator and Icona Vulcano (pictured above), both of which make their UK debuts at the event. Enjoy being able to boast about having witnessed the first UK outing of models by Clark Abel, Vencer and Zagato. Brand new models from Bentley, Maserati, McLaren, Radical, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Startech will also grace the lawns of Syon Park for the first time. Other manufacturers on show include Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Harley-Davidson, Lexus, Rimac, Trident and VUHL. The Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance is set to be even more spectacular than last year, with 100 of the rarest and most valuable motorcars and bikes ever made openly on display. Judging Day takes place on Wednesday 4 September and Classes include: 100 Years of Aston Martin; 50 years of The Legendary Lamborghini; Little Saloons – The Birth of the Berlinetta; The Art of Design – Pininfarina; Sporting Motorcycles from the 1920s to the 1970s; and the eclectic-sounding One-offs and Oddball Motorcycles class. Chief Judge is Grand Prix racing driver Derek Bell MBE and he will be supported by top industry experts including Sandra Button (Chairwoman of Pebble Beach Concours d’Elégance), Vicki ButlerHenderson and Giles Taylor (Design Director at Rolls-Royce). Many will be keen to see the Ferrari 250 California long-wheel-base 1959 and the Porsche 911 Carrera RSR 2.8 1973.

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I can also vouch for the fact that even if you can’t tell your SuperVettura from your Superleggera, you’re still exceptionally well catered for. EFG Private Bank’s Art & Memorabilia Fayre sees a much larger space dedicated to this exhibit and retail area in 2013, with places already reserved for Andrew Hill, Jarrotts, John Ketchell, Roy Putt, Tim Layzell, Paul Smith, Gary Whinn and Historic Car Art. The Luxury Brands Village on the Concours lawn will certainly demand a healthy portion of my attention, featuring, among others, Audemars Piguet, Boodles, Chubb Insurance, Garia, Gatineau, Hartley’s Safaris, Hornby, Jetfly, Justerini & Brooks, Luzzo Bespoke Ltd., Oak Leaf Gates, Oxford Vaughan, Paradisi, Pocher, Pommery, Riva, Robusto House Cigars, The F1 Shop, The Skincare Sanctuary, Ventura UK and more. From a London perspective, I am very interested in Kensington’s Royal College of Art Concours of the Future design exhibition. Ten of the best young undergraduates from the RCA’s Vehicle Design programme have been tasked with selecting previous Concours cars and re-designing these for the modern world. The winner will be invited to Milan for a behind-the-scenes tour and design masterclass at the Zagato Design Studio. Peter Stevens said: “Our young RCA designers are presenting their continuing fascination with the romance of the motorcar to their prospective future employers... The commitment of this eminent group of designers shows both the strength of this new exhibition and of Salon Privé in the world of automotive shows.” Managing director Andrew Bagley sums it up: “With our key sponsors, partners and exhibitors, we concluded that 2012 was, without doubt, the best Salon Privé ever. The timing was perfect, as was the weather... so we’ve decided that September is the best way forward, as it provided such a glorious end to the British summer last year and we are committed to delivering even more in 2013.” Quite. Book now or risk missing out.

~ fantastic value ~ Full Hospitality Tickets include: Pommery Champagne Reception on arrival Two course BBQ Luncheon with Lobster Complimentary Bar (including Pommery Champagne) Afternoon Tea Souvenir Event Guide and Complimentary Parking Access to all areas: Audemars Piguet British Supercar Show Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance EFG Private Bank Art & Memorabilia Fayre Royal College of Art Concours of the Future Exhibition Luxury Brands Retail Village Hypercar Collection Concepts & Prototypes Display Car Club Displays Tickets range from £195 ex VAT to £225 ex VAT These can be purchased at salonprivelondon.com or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0808 100 2205 Enter CW134 for 10% discount off all tickets.

~ event schedule ~ Tuesday 3 September Chubb Insurance Tour d’Elégance (Private Event) Wednesday 4 September Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance Judging Day (10am to 6pm) Thursday 5 September Boodles Ladies’ Day (11am to 5pm) Salon Privé Ball in aid of Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity (7pm to 1am) Friday 6 September Audemars Piguet Supercar Day (11am to 5pm)

august 2013 CW 69

Shooting for the Stars Matthew Carter discovers there’s nothing to touch the impressive new Range Rover Sport

s anyone who’s ever nestled an over and under into their shoulder will know, there’s a distinct etiquette to follow when attending a shoot. The right clothing is essential – tweed is almost de rigueur – as is the right gun. And then, of course, there’s the right way to behave. But with the start of the grouse season fast approaching, perhaps the most important thing to consider is how you might arrive. Those behind the wheel of a Mercedes or VW off-roader will get straight in. Drive a BMW X5 or an Audi Q7 and you’ll be tolerated but, surprisingly perhaps, a Porsche Cayenne is fine (well, unless it’s got a body kit). You’ll also be OK if you arrive in a working Land Rover – the older and more battered the better – though you do run the risk of being mistaken for a beater. But if you want to ensure your place in the front line, you need to turn up in a Range Rover – it doesn’t even matter if it’s Solihull’s latest or a classic. But here’s a word of warning: we are talking Range Rover here, not Range Rover Sport or, God forbid, Range Rover Evoque. Actually the likelihood of an Evoque ever getting its bodywork dirty is pretty remote, so the odds of one turning up on a shooting estate are about a million to one. The Sport, however, is a different matter. Launched at the end of 2005, the Sport was mutton dressed as lamb. Underneath the Range-Rover-esque body was a Land Rover Discovery and it was far more likely to be found in the car parks of Premiership football grounds than up to its axles in sludge. Never mind that it was hugely capable off-road, it was seen to be more poseur than mud plugger.

But lumpy Discovery ride aside, its image was about the only thing wrong with the old Sport. Whether the new one suffers from the same problem remains to be seen… but if it does, it’ll be a huge injustice. For the new Range Rover Sport is arguably one of the best cars on the road today. Developed side-by-side with the new Range Rover, the new Sport shares much of its big brother’s hardware. That means lightweight aluminium construction – some 420kg (or four rugby players) lighter than the old one – with more sporting styling than the Range Rover itself. In fact, alongside the rather staid Range Rover, the Sport – sort of big brother to Evoque – has shed years as well as pounds. And it looks especially great with a contrasting roof colour. It feels livelier, too. Although it shares broadly the same chassis and suspension layout as a Range Rover, the Sport’s settings are more dynamic and, well, more sporting. While the ride is a little firmer, the standard air suspension means it is never uncomfortable. A longer wheelbase than before means there’s more space inside, so much so that the Sport can now offer a pair of small seats in the rear, to give 5+2 seating with the back pair for children.

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VEHICLE SPECS

Car: Range Rover Sport SDV6 Autobiography Dynamic Price: £74,995 Engine: 2,993cc, diesel Power: 292 hp Performance: 130 mph max, 0-60 mph in 6.8 secs Drive: Four-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic

When it comes to engines, the most potent version is a supercharged petrol V8. Although more economical than before, V8 thirst is difficult to justify these days and that means the engine of choice for most UK buyers will be the 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel. For the moment, at least. Two more engines due in the not-too-distant future might change that: a mighty V8 diesel and a diesel hybrid, the latter with a CO2 figure of just 169g/km. All the engines are coupled to a quite superb state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic gearbox. The SDV6 is no hardship, however. Land Rover’s engineers have managed to give this smooth diesel something akin to a V8 soundtrack so it sounds great, and it performs well too. The top speed is 130mph, limited as much by the sheer size of the car as by anything else, but the acceleration is close to supercar territory – 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds is not to be sniffed at, especially in a car that will also climb Mount Everest if you want it to. Despite the sporting look and the equally sporting road manners, this is still a Land Rover product. And that means it will go almost anywhere: the test route included deep muddy bogs, a small river, sheer drops, impossibly steep climbs, tight turns between trees and axle-bending terrain. The Range Rover Sport took it all

in its stride: the same Range Rover Sport on the same 21-inch wheels and tyres that had been eating up the tarmac just moments before. Its off-road ability owes much to the latest iteration of Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 four-wheel drive system. There’s a small dial in the minimalist cockpit that allows the driver to select the correct setting for the conditions. In truth, though, the system is so sophisticated that it can work it out for itself: it can tell the difference between snow, mud, sand or rocks and will set the most suitable programme itself. In fact, the only time the driver really needs to get involved is to set the controls to Dynamic Mode for sharper on-road responses. Oh, and to lower the air suspension to access mode when arriving at the destination makes it much easier to get out of the car. There’s even better news when it comes to the price. They start at £51,550, but the lavishly equipped and hugely desirable SDV6 Autobiography Dynamic is £74,995… a hefty sum, but one which undercuts the closest Range Rover by a handsome £13k. So only one thing remains. Will the new Range Rover Sport pass muster on the Glorious 12th? Yes… but with one proviso. Inspired by the success of the Evoque, Land Rover has decided that customers need choice, especially when it comes to the interior of their cars. Taste is highly personal of course, but one of the test cars had three-tone leather covered seats with a colour palette that owed more to a Wall’s Ice Cream chart than a car brochure: would you believe biscuit, chocolate and pistachio? Turn up on a shoot with that interior and you’d be laughed off the moor. But that, seriously, is just about the only thing to complain about: the Range Rover Sport is a seriously impressive machine.

august 2013 CW 71

Powerhouse to Boathouse Neil Briscoe enjoys the challenge of the Galway roads aboard the BMW M5, before stopping for a much-needed rest

really should have started this driving trip on the west coast, not in Dublin. I should have flown into Shannon. Why? Well quite apart from making the journey much shorter, it would also have wiped out this dull, boring motorway slog, necessary to get from Ireland’s capital to the impossibly scenic environs of Galway. It couldn’t have been helped. The car was in Dublin and had to be collected. It was a colossal mistake, though. Trapped here at a regulated 120kmh (Irish speed limits have been in kilometres per hour for knocking on for a decade now) the BMW M5 feels comfortable, but trapped. Like a Bengal tiger in a well-appointed safari park, you can just sense that it’s happy to be here,

but there really are more exciting things it could be doing. There are more exciting things I could be doing than sitting down and having a cup of tea, but frankly I’m hot, sweaty and tired and I need one. Thankfully, there’s Cupán Tae (Irish for ‘cup of tea’) just by the Spanish Arch in Galway city centre. This dinky little teahouse should be an overload of tacky tourism, but it manages to skirt the edges of self-parody simply by being brilliant. The staff are amazingly attentive and friendly, the teas various and delicious (try the Assam – very refreshing) and the cakes are as deleterious to your waistline as they are to the M5’s powerto-weight ratio. Worth it though. The M5 itself clearly hasn’t been hitting the cakes, not judging from the way

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The Boathouse

Cupán Tae

the bodywork wraps tautly around the mechanical package. Even so, from the outside, the dark grey 20-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin’s 235-40 (front) and 295-35 (rear) Pilot tyres and the four howitzer exhausts, the casual eye could easily mistake this car for a humble 188bhp 520d, if one with a few sport exterior add-ons. Under the familiar 5 Series bonnet lies an initially familiar engine. BMW has been making V8 petrol engines of 4.4-litre capacity for many a year now. But none like this. Breathing compressed air from two massive turbochargers, this bent-eight powerhouse makes 560bhp and an almost comical 680Nm of torque at just 1,500rpm. Turbos are a bit of a new departure for BMW M. The last M5, the E60, had an ultra-high revving 5.0-litre V10, which sounded like a diesel at tickover but yelled like an F1 car at high speeds. This new V8, thanks to its turbos, is at once more accessible and also far, far more devastating. I have never, in my long and sainted life as a motoring writer, driven an engine with such reserves of ferocity. Earlier, having finally reached Limerick, there was a brief but short run north up the M18 to get to Ennis and the start of the drive proper. I could have just driven direct, by motorway, to get from Dublin to Galway, but in a car like this, you need a proper road. Cruise control off, sport mode engaged and the coast road from Ennis via Lahinch to Ballyvaughan lies ahead. It’s an amazing road, that slinks over constantly shifting peat bogs, skirts the very edges of the famed Burren limestone landscape, runs alongside the legendary Cliffs of Moher and sprints along a death-defying corniche with only a shonky stone wall

between you and the Atlantic below. Get there before the hordes of tour coaches do and it’s manna for the M5. Twisting and turning, with constant changes in surface to keep the suspension busy, you won’t be able to let 560bhp completely off the leash, but the distances between the corners seem incredibly short. Cupán Tae can provide more substantial meals but I think it’s time the M5 and I abandoned the (beautiful) centre of Galway for some outer environs for dinner.

The Boathouse

both proprietor Rudi Rabasse and chef Anthony Printer have Michelin-starred backgrounds. Oranmore sits at the end of the M6 motorway that leads back to Dublin, so I could just swing around the corner, set the cruise control and head back again. But just as The Boathouse’s chicken reminded me just how good poultry can be, so too has the BMW M5 reminded me that driving can still be fun, even in this legislative age. Sod the motorway, the coast road beckons anew...

~ need to know ~ The Boathouse Seafood & Grill Main Street, Oranmore, Co. Galway +353 (0) 91 788 525 D theboathouse.ie Cupán Tae Commerce Court, Galway City D cupantae.eu

Getting there

Oranmore is a sleepy little village that has effectively become a commuter suburb for Galway. It’s a friendly little place, but the reason I’m here is for The Boathouse. Oranmore my be unassuming, but this is honestly one of the finest restaurants in which I’ve ever eaten. It’s not expensive (a main course on the a la carte menu is between €15 and €25) but the culinary standards are sky-high. Try the chicken and ham pie, with smoked pancetta, green asparagus, shallot, leek, glazed puff pastry, tarragon & Dijon veloute, to remind yourself what this bird should actually taste like. Almost unspeakably delicious and it’s no surprise to learn that

Fly to Shannon (shannonairport.ie) from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh with Aer Lingus, Ryanair and FlyBe. Galway City is approximately one hour’s drive from Shannon, or two hours from Dublin.

Staying The G Hotel is Galway’s newest designer five-star hotel, located a ten-minute walk from the city centre. Luxury rooms, junior and speciality suites are available and there’s an in-house spa. D theghotel.ie Also in Galway, but slightly further out of town is the legendary Glenlo Abbey five-star hotel. Set above the shores of Lough Corrib, it’s an old-fashioned, welcoming hotel with truly wonderful staff and a restaurant, The Pullman, built into a carriage from the Orient Express. D glenlo.com

august 2013 CW 73

FOOD DRINK fine wine, fine dining, fine food

Royal Ramsay Chef extraordinaire Gordon Ramsay has teamed up with iconic brand Royal Doulton for the second time to design an exclusive new collection of tableware. With the success of his original Gordon Ramsay range, made in connection with his Maze restaurant, the team have partnered to establish Bread Street, a modern collection inspired by the urban style and feel surrounding Ramsayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City restaurant of the same name. The result is a collection that is both relaxed and stylish, and makes the seamless transition from kitchen to table. Be it the classic breakfast cups and saucers that come in slate or white, or the innovative serving board with ceramic insert which makes any meal look and feel like fine-dining, one thing is sure, these pieces certainly make a foodie statement. D Available from October 2013, royal-doulton.com

FOOD DRINK Meat Lovers Only

Flamenco at Camino

American festival Meatopia, a celebration of barbequing, smoking and grilling, comes to Tobacco Dock near Shadwell DLR, just five stops from Canary Wharf, for one day on 7 September. Food lovers can try bite-sized tasters, all prepared by renowned chefs such as Seamus Mullen, Tim Byrnes and Pat LaFrieda, while enjoying an eclectic mix of music, art and performance. D From 12pm – 9pm, seetickets.com

This summer, Camino Canary Wharf will be inviting diners to experience the Spanish tradition of Flamenco dancing. Guests will be treated not only to the ‘life and soul taste of Spain’ that Camino offers, but also to performances from UK-based dance group Viva Flamenco, who, as well as entertaining, will be offering classes. Juan Ramirez, a renowned Flamenco performer, will play host each night from 7pm, and the sessions will be followed by sets from from Camino’s resident DJs.

The deli at Tom’s Kitchen, Canary Wharf has now opened, offering a vast array of sandwiches, soups, hotpots and salads for a quick and easy lunch. In addition, the restaurant is offering a complimentary glass of bloody (or virgin) Mary at weekend brunches, between 10am and 12pm.

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D 11 Westferry Circus

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Tom’s Kitchen Brunch and Deli

More than Bourbon and Bordeaux

As good as the whisky and wine might be, it’s still about the steak at Boisdale, writes Richard Brown A steak-restaurant-come seafood-specialistcome-music-venue-come-whisky-Mecca; Boisdale of Canary Wharf certainly ran the risk of trying to be all things to all people when it opened a couple of years ago. Yet, if it got it right, it was always going to find favour amongst a banker-centric crowd. Serving steak, whisky and cigars to them would be like feeding fish to penguins. I had been to Boisdale before I visited last month and must admit I took to my table already a fan. I had, however, only ever visited for the jazz and the whisky, never for the food; I had a feeling the penguin analogy would prove apt. And so it bore out. The shellfish bisque was deliciously light to start, as was my companion’s Caesar salad. As expected,

though, it was the steak that followed that stole the show. We chooe to share the porterhouse: 1kg of mouth-wateringly first-rate meat.

As sides, the creamed spinach with black truffle is as good as it sounds, while for dessert, the baked bourbon vanilla cheesecake is a superb. Although, if you can, leave enough room to explore

Boisdale’s fantastic cheese trolley. With a wine list that trickles on for thirty-something pages, and a whisky menu that makes even that look reserved, there’s plenty to keep you lubricated. Unless of course you’re a connoisseur, I can attest to the benefits of letting Boisdale’s knowledgeable staff make your drinking decision for you. The opening of Roka in 2009 proved a catalyst to culinary change in Canary Wharf; and the continued success of Boisdale has kept the ball rolling. Great news, then, that as of 29 September, you’ll be able to enjoy its impressive menu throughout the weekend, when the restaurant opens for Sunday lunch. D Boisdale of Canary Wharf, Cabot Square

News

Aperitivo at Pizarro

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Among some of the advancements being made in Bermondsey restaurant Pizarro, just two stops from Canary Wharf on the Jubilee Line, is the creation of a new aperitivo bar, and introduction of a Sunday breakfast menu. The bar, José Pizarro’s latest venture in his restaurant, will offer a daily-changing aperitivo menu, and will include delicacies such as La Bamba and Mussels Escabeche, as well as a new and improved drinks menu. The new bar will be open every day from midday until the restaurant closes whilst reservations for Sunday breakfast are also now being taken. D josepizarro.com

Teroforma Whiskey Stones come to the UK American brand Teroforma is bringing its products, including its innovative whisky stones to the UK. Recently launched and currently available to purchase both at Selfridges and online at teroforma.com, these beverage stones, perfect for summer, are designed to optimally chill cask-aged spirits without diluting or closing down any flavours in the drink. Established in 2006 by husband and wife team Anna and Andrew Hellman, Teroforma is renowned for producing thoughtfully crafted objects for the table, bar and home. D teroforma.com

Iberica’s Takeaway Selection Spanish restaurant and deli, Ibérica Canary Wharf affords all of its customers the opportunity to buy their very own taste of Iberica, with the takeaway selection of its carefully sourced cured meats. Among the specialities you can purchase from the Canary Wharf branch is chorizo from León, air-cured hind leg of beef, salted and smoked to maximise flavour, Iberian pork loin and dry-cured sausage. D 12 Cabot Square

the view from here Emma Johnson enjoys a lunch of simple, carefully sourced food at perfectly poised Plateau It is boiling on the day I visit Plateau. England is finally basking in a proper summer, Wimbledon finals weekend is upon us and there is somewhat of a festival feeling in the air. At Plateau the mood is definitely upbeat; the warm weather has brought those unfortunate enough to be suited and booted in this weather to the cool sanctuary of air-conditioning and fabulous views of Canada Square Park. Out on Plateau’s covered terrace we find a shady, cool spot with just a hint of a breeze and settle in for a leisurely lunch. Head chef Alan Pickett, who learnt his craft with the likes of Michel Roux Jr and Marco Pierre White, kindly suggests a few treats to start the meal, and sends out the best scallop ceviche I’ve ever had – deliciously fishy and salty, served with pickled cucumber, it is a perfect partner to the glass of Champagne he also insists on. Following this, and perhaps influenced by the hot weather, we plump for the gazpacho – spicy tomato goodness with a swirl of pungent basil oil – and the asparagus – fresh and crisp, served with just Hollandaise, it is a testament to well-sourced produce. We have moved on to the sommelier’s suggestion of a bottle of Sancerre by now, which is just the right balance of crisp and fruity. Main courses come in the form of crab mayonnaise on sourdough toast and grilled lemon sole; again both dishes admirably simple but boasting the flavours only possible with carefully sourced produce and sensitive cooking. To finish, Alan sends out a wonderful lemon sorbet with mint leaves served in a Champagne saucer, over which some bubbly is generously poured. The result, sweet and sharp and cool; there is no better summer dessert in my mind. This final flourish epitomises Plateau’s approach to food – simple, classic dishes, using carefully-sourced produce, and cooked with a knowing eye. D Canada Square Park

august 2013 CW 77

Fine

Great red Bordeaux is back in London, and Canary Wharf is getting its fair share, says Andy Rosenbaum

Glass

bout five years ago, the prices of the very best wines from France’s oldest and most traditional wine region went through the roof as they were discovered by wealthy Asians. At that time, a retired lawyer who lives in the Bordeaux suburb of Pessac complained to me that he could no longer afford to buy the wines that were made at nearby Chateau Pape Clément, one of the great producers of the Graves territory. But, in 2011, the prices of great Bordeaux plummeted. Asian collectors had had enough, at least for a while, and began to explore other wines. Meanwhile, many European buyers of great Bordeaux had also moved on to more affordable choices. So some of the great Bordeaux wines became affordable again, and many are available at a few wine bars in Canary Wharf. The Chateau Pape Clément 2007, for instance, is an extraordinarily rich wine, with lush textures and intense concentration of flavour over an elaborate nose. Don’t ask what the price might have been a few years ago, but you can now enjoy a bottle over at Nicolas wine bar and store at 1 Canada Square for about £150 (with an extra £1.50 for uncorking it and serving it at the table). Anyone who’s ever been to France knows the no-frills wine vendor Nicolas – its little maroon storefronts are on every high street in the country. Since 2001, there

Wine

Boisdale of Canary Wharf

Nicolas, Canary Wharf

have been some in London, but the one in Canary Wharf has a wine bar that serves food along with the wines. Regional manager Pierre Rallu says that it’s the bar’s policy to offer a wide variety of French wines – there are nearly 300 – with simple, traditional French food. Rallu’s list of great Bordeaux included some very great ones indeed: another fantastic Graves, the Chateau Brown, a superb, mouthfilling Saint-Émilion, the Chateau Ausone, and the subtle Margaux Chateau Rauzan-Segla. These are wines, as the French say, that will make you cry with pleasure, and you need the kind of food to match it. A confit de canard or a boeuf borguignon – which Nicolas offers – go well, but for wines like this, one might wish for something a little more decadent to go with vintages of such magnitude. More indulgent fare is, in fact, to be found at Boisdale at Canary Wharf, a combination of restaurant, cigar and jazz club at Cabot Square. This is a very British kind of place offering many different types of luxury foods, whiskies, steaks, and cigars. Bewildering to the European visitor, John Bull will feel right at home with a plate of Aberdeenshire steak tartare, or Colchester oysters. We can attest, however, to the fine preparation of this ‘local’ food (if you can call Macsween haggis local), and to an extraordinarily nice list of Bordeaux.

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We must start with the very best. Boisdale offers a magnum of Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux 2001 at £495. This is the second wine of the great Médoc château and has all of that vineyard’s power and elegance. What distinguishes a great Margaux is the softness and very elaborate flowery nose that comes before the powerful tannic body of the wine. I never expected to find a bottle this good outside of the Bordeaux city limits, as the 2001 was a fine year, so this would be a fine wine experience for people who take the fermented grape very seriously. Jancis Robinson recently said the 2001 Margaux were “elegant and polished”. There are a few other, more accessible selections worth trying as well. The 2008 Château Clos Cantenac is a nice Grand Cru Saint-Émilion at about £100 for the bottle. The nose and body are black and red fruit based, rather than flowery, and the tannins in a Saint-Émilion are more subtle than in a Margaux. These are big wines that go well with steaks or, if you’re that way inclined, haggis. There are also a few more fine Médocs and Graves to choose from. If you drink red wine with oysters, as many do nowadays, I’d suggest one of these lighter ones to go with them. Fine red wines can accompany a variety of dishes, but they do come out very well alongside steak. So it should not surprise us that Goodman steakhouse, at 3 South Quay, has a striking selection of superb Bordeaux. Goodman serves very fine steaks imported from Nebraska, so the meat stands up to the grapes. Again, there is an eye-popping surprise. The wine list boasts a 1995 first-growth Chateau Margaux for a ‘reasonable’ £999. Critics have noted that, even with long bottle age, this Margaux is fresh, and somewhat fruity, but with a structure and elegance that is rarely equalled. But Goodman’s has a whole selection of Bordeaux on its wine list, ranging from a charming Fronsac – surely one of the great underrated terroirs – at £36, to a mind-boggling St. Estèphe at £380. Definitely worth the attention of the devoted wine person; these are not wines one finds easily outside of France. Why is it worth all this money and fuss about Bordeaux? The red wines of this area are like those of no other place in the world. They are complicated, stubborn, and difficult to understand, yet, once you ‘crack the code’, you never stop thinking about them. Nice to know that you can find some really great ones a few steps away in Canary Wharf.

Fine red wines can accompany a variety of dishes, but they do come out very well alongside steak

august 2013 CW 79

A Great Tradition Chris Murray and aimee latimer look at the cocktail bar: an American import brought to London during the 1880s, and an establishment as popular now as it was then t’s hardly rocket science – blending two or more ingredients, including an alcoholic spirit, and coming up with a suitably adventurous name. The origins of the word ‘cocktail’ as a generic title for the above, however, is a matter of controversy. One version has it that an 18th-century Virginian bar owner, one Betsy Flanagan, was responsible for the term as she used cockerel feathers to identify mixed drinks. Well...maybe... but one thing is for sure – the cocktail as a concept is an entirely American invention. The original idea of the cocktail bar as a specific entity seems to have occurred in the mid-19th century and became immediately popular. The whole romance behind the invention and concoction of the mixed drink, not to mention the extras in the form of various paraphernalia – such as the different mixing vessels and of course the tiny The Pearson Room umbrella, not to mention the flamboyant preparation – caught the imagination of the drinking public. There were definitely peaks and troughs in the popularity of cocktails after the initial enthusiasm of the late 19th century. Two world wars, a global depression and Prohibition were hardly minor obstacles. Paradoxically, however, Prohibition, which befell the United States in 1920, was seen as a challenge by those who sought to circumvent the law, and the cocktail was not conspicuous in its absence behind closed doors and the faux respectability of the illegal speakeasy drinking dens. The Cocktail Bar (or American Bar) was soon to be seen across the Atlantic, in Paris and London in particular. By the 1880s the cocktail bar was a fixture in Victorian London’s West End. Usually attached to a hotel, restaurant or theatre, these venues became the preserve of the fast set, the younger men and their rakish elders. By Edwardian times women were more likely to be seen inside, either in small groups or on the

arms of their beaux, but never on their own of course. But just what is a cocktail bar? Historically they came in all shapes and sizes but had a few things in common: the bar staff were often in livery or at least smart dress. There would be a large selection of drinks and mixers, often of a hard-to-get variety and of high quality. There would be an expectation that the customer would enter into the spirit of the whole thing and dress accordingly. The décor would be suitably smart. A classic American cocktail bar was to be found at Piccadilly Circus at the Criterion Restaurant conceived by the chief caterers of the day, Spiers & Pond. It was the first Americanstyle bar in London and it was run by an American to boot, one Leo Engel who went on to write an early drinks manual in 1880, American and Other Drinks. By 1889 the décor included an impressive eagle in gold leaf with talons holding forked lightning, carved cupids and marble tables. So much for Victorian restraint... Happily, you may still today enjoy a cocktail in the opulence of the Long Bar at The Criterion, which, even now, has a whiff of the old school about it. The American Bar at The Savoy Hotel on The Strand was another early cocktail venue with a celebrity bartender, Ada Coleman, who in the early 1900s went on to create the Hanky-Panky cocktail (in a cocktail shaker over ice, pour half and half Italian vermouth, dry gin and two dashes of Fernet-Branca, garnish with orange peel). She went on to serve this and other mixtures to the wealthy and famous of the day. After the lean years of post-World War Two, the cocktail bar began to flourish again in the capital, and these days Canary Wharf is one of the best places to sample the wealth of London’s cocktail expertise. At a recent competition in the Four Seasons Hotel, in association with Centinela Blanco Tequila, some of the Wharf’s best bars sent their top cocktail makers to battle it out for a chance to represent the brand at the grand

A culture of refined evening dining and drinking has grown up in London alongside a more discernible clientele

Cocktails

The Pearson Room

Boisdale of Canary Wharf

Centinela Tequila

Mario from The Pearson Room puts the finishing touches to his winning cocktail, The Jasmine Room

final, and win a trip to Mexico. Standards were high – with some great offerings from The Parlour, Four Seasons and Rocket – but it was The Pearson Room and Roka whose combinations of flavours and diverse ingredients most impressed the judges. Roka’s Okinawa Sunshine was a fresh, lemony blend with Japanese influences and ginger pearls, while The Pearson Room’s winning cocktail – The Jasmine Room – used jasmine syrup to create a rich, citrus cocktail with a unique flavour. It is perhaps no suprise that The Pearson Room took first prize. This relatively new opening is a venue that truly delights in the art of serving cocktails. Its menu

food & drink

reflects the changing drinking trends that occurred throughout the life of Canadian prime minister Lester B. Pearson, from his years studying at Oxford University through to his time in office during the 1960s. The Pearson Room may be primarily a restaurant, but here the cocktails take centre stage and are made as cocktails should be – sophisticated but fun, well-balanced but daring. Experimental in-house creations, including home-made hibiscus flower syrup, and knowledgeable staff make this colourful, buzzing bar with its wall to ceiling views of Canada Square Park, one of most electric hubs in Canary Wharf. Across Canada Square Park, Roka’s terrace is one of the most sophisticated places to enjoy a few cocktails before dinner. Drinks are as dynamic and elegant as the food, and go down just as easily. Expect a wealth of decadent and rare ingredients, many with a Japanese bias, served in classic Champagne saucers and martini glasses. On hand, deft bartenders can stir up all the classics too, but if you want something a little unusual then make Roka your port of call. If you prefer your cocktails to be served with a slice of history, Boisdale of Canary Wharf offers an array of tipples that come complete with a unique backstory. Take the Jack Rose, for example. Not for the faint of heart, its mix of Henry de Querville Calvados, lemon, sugar and grenadine harks back to the days of Prohibition and is named after the infamous gambler and rogue, Bald Jack Rose. Boisdale also serves up more stereotypically masculine cocktails, and regularly features live jazz, creating the perfect leisurely evening atmosphere.

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sun & sangria

This August, Ibérica La Terraza has launched an exciting new summer drinks menu packed with frivolity and flavour

ince opening in Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, in April, Ibérica La Terraza’s spacious terrace has been an instant hit with locals and workers looking to laze away summer evenings with a chilled glass of wine and plate of hot tapas. Now Ibérica La Terraza has launched a new summer drinks menu that features twists on Spanish classics and one particularly exuberant way to drink wine. Try a new house creation, Ibérica’s cava sangria. A delicious take on traditional sangria, Ibérica replaces the red wine with cava. Sprigs of mint and a handful of summer fruits, including blackberries, raspberries, oranges, strawberries and pomegranate seeds, are added to complement the pronounced apple and pear flavours of the cava. Or try something new, with a glass of beer sangria. Ibérica’s cocktail mastermind, Pedro Carvalho, created this unique

cocktail, which combines citrus notes of Estrella Galicia lager with the fresh Valencia oranges of the sangria. As Carvalho explains: “Not only does it offer an exciting alternative for beer lovers, but it’s also a great way for those who wouldn’t usually drink beer to try it.” Embrace Spanish culture by sharing a porrón at Ibérica. The porrón is a traditional glass wine-pitcher that resembles a cross between a wine bottle and a watering can. Passed between friends, the drinker has to hold the porrón’s spout at a distance and drink the wine without spilling a drop. Enjoy all these drinks alongside authentic Spanish tapas, including creamed cheese, sun-blush tomato, rocket and basil, and fried squid bocadillo pinchos. With food, fun and games to be had, Ibérica La Terraza is the perfect place to stop by this summer. D Ibérica La Terraza, Cabot Square / 020 7636 8650 / ibericalondon.co.uk

SHOPPING

All That Jazz This summer, lose yourself in the electric variety of live music at Boisdale of Canary Wharf

s one of Canary Wharf’s most diverse venues, Boisdale of Canary Wharf spans a buzzing traditional Scottish restaurant, whisky bar, cigar terrace, caviar and oyster bar, and cigar library. Known locally and nationwide for its live music, this August prepare for an exuberant line-up of soul, blues and the re-imagining of music heroes. Every Thursday pull-up a chair and topup a glass of any one of Boisdale of Canary Wharf’s abundance of 1,000 Scottish single malts, Irish, Japanese, Indian and Welsh whisky, and lose yourself in ‘Lizzie Deane’s Soul Spectacular’ show. Boisdale of Canary Wharf’s fabulous resident soul singer, Lizzie Deane, and her band Soul Source, perform the best of blues, soul and funk. Perfect for lively nights on the Wharf, keep an eye out for the popping-up of a special guest or two. Start August on a high with ‘Summertime Blues: The Best of the Blues Brothers’ from 1 – 10 August. Prepared to be blown away by The Bogus Blues Brothers – the best

Blues Brothers tribute artists in the business. As they play out the classics in front of their sizzling backing band, enjoy some of the liveliest summer nights the city has to offer. On 17 August the following week, be romanced by swing king Iain Mackenzie with ‘Sinatra and Friends: Iain Mackenzie & Swing City’. Backed by an eight-piece band performing iconic songs from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker, Nat King Cole & Mel Tormé – Iain Mackenzie channels the golden era’s charm with a contemporary edge. As we enter September, Boisdale of Canary Wharf’s line-up is still going strong with a celebration of the female voice. The ‘Viva La Divas Festival’ is a series of soulful nights that salute some of the greatest singers in jazz history with evenings dedicated to Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Billie Holiday, and Brazilian bossa nova legend, Astrud Gilberto the 19 – 28 of September. D Boisdale of Canary Wharf, Cabot Place 020 7715 5818, boisdale.co.uk

www.canarywharf.com

@yourcanarywharf

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BUSINESS TRAVEL Essential information for anyone who travels the world for work

All Aboard the Airbus

A string of recent interntional orders has confirmed Airbus as one the biggest players in aviation. In June 2013, easyJet purchased 135 A320 Airbuses and German airline Lufthansa signed on for a fleet of 100. Elsewhere, in the last few months, SriLankan Airlines, Air France and Air New Zealand have also placed orders. Airbus’s appeal comes from the company’s unrivalled environmental credentials. An Airbus engine delivers an average fuel saving of 15 per cent, which translates to a cost–cutting additional 500 nautical miles before the need to refuel. Indeed, per aircraft, per year, an Airbus emits 3,600 nautical tonnes less C02 than rival competitors. As the company continues to grow, its new model, the Airbus A380, could go on to eclipse the A320. The A380 boasts two decks with the capacity to carry 852 passengers and is 50 per cent larger than any other high-capacity aircraft. D airbus.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: Four Seasons, courtesy of Robert Miller

here:

FOUR SEASONS, CANARY WHARF

The Four Seasons Canary Wharf is a modern ten-storey hotel located 15 minutes from London City Airport, which features 551 sq metres of dedicated business space. The Four Seasons is universally known for providing guests with excellent customer service; at its Canary Wharf property there is a 24-hour-business centre with secretarial services, translation and interpretation services, and complimentary international newspapers to browse through. Guests booked into the sophisticated and high-tech rooms are privy to a host of perks including on-site visits from local tailors for custom-fitted suits. D Canary Wharf-View Room from £325 per night, fourseasons.com

best for business... there:

OMNI SAN FRANCISCO HOTEL

The Omni San Francisco Hotel building was a bank when it was built in 1926. To this day, each of the 362 rooms and 15 suites still retain the glamorous aesthetic of the 1920s but are tailored to accommodate modern business. Each room features wireless wi-fi and a colour printer, and downstairs there is a 24-hour-business centre with conference rooms. The hotel, that has won a slew of business traveller awards for its facilities and services, is located a 20-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport and walking distance from the city’s financial district. Better yet, it is home to one of California’s most applauded restaurants, Bob’s Steak & Chop House. D Bed and breakfast from £260 per night, omnihotels.com

News

business TRAVEL

have you heard about sofia? A survey by travel website Trip Advisor has found that, in terms of cumulative hotel rates, restaurant prices and taxi fares, Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is the most cost-effective city in Europe for travellers. London, on the other hand, was found to have the most expensive taxi fares of any of the 49 cities examined, with an average cost of £27 per journey. D tripadvisor.co.uk

flydubai launches business class PHOTOGRAPHY: London taxis, courtesy of Robert Miller

Flydubai’s first aircrafts with business-class cabins will be delivered in August with flights scheduled to begin in October. The new business-class cabins will house 12 seats featuring lumbar support and an in-flight entertainment system boasting high-definition touchscreens with more than 900 hours of movies, music and games. All business-class passengers will also have priority check-in. D flydubai.com

Rhubarb And Checkout

London City Airport’s restaurant concept, Rhubarb, has launched a new seasonal menu. Rhubarb aims to provide pleasant, premium dining for individuals travelling alone or in corporate groups. Open from 6am until the last flight has departed, the new British and European-inspired meals range from a breakfast brûlée of Greek yoghurt layered with crunchy granola to gin and tonic-cured salmon fillet. D rhubarb.net

Plane Food

Premium airport hospitality specialist No. 1 Traveller has partnered exclusively with Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food restaurant in Heathrow Terminal 5. When passengers make a booking at Plane Food through no1traveller.com they have access to complimentary wi-fi and a unique morning and afternoon menu that combines comfort dishes with continental classics.

Rise In Female Business Travellers

D Set menu from £30 per person, available from

Businesswomen now represent one of the fastest growing segments in the travel industry. Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s records have shown an increase of 38 per cent in female sole occupancy between 2011 and 2012 across the breadth of its diverse portfolio, with growth particularly noticeable in areas of emerging markets. Although the UK saw a rise of 53 per cent, it was the only country to see a fall in male single-occupancy travellers in 2012.

5.30am - 9.30pm, no1traveller.com

D slh.com

AUGUST 2013 CW 87

rson Welles once said: “There are only two emotions in a plane: boredom and terror.” But then, Welles was travelling before on-board bars and massage seats existed, and he certainly never stepped into a Virgin Atlantic clublounge. Had he, perhaps he would have been fascinated with the aviation industry’s race towards providing the utmost luxury to entice, and retain, customers. First there were flat-bed seats, next there were personal suites, and now you can even shower on board. With airlines and trains battling to come up with the most innovative ways to create a luxury experience, here is a comprehensive round-up of who’s offering what. Korean Air Unlike a Boeing 747-400, where only the front portion of the aircraft is divided into two floors, an A380 Airbus is spilt into two decks from head-to-tail. Korean Air has innovatively utilised the extra space and, in an aviation first, has dedicated the entire top floor to business class. The top floor features 94 flat-bed seats and a bar and lounge area. Below, the lower deck holds 12 first-class and 301 economy seats, and a space equivalent to 13 economy seats dedicated to showcasing duty-free.

Class Wars As airlines and train companies fiercely compete to outdo one another, AIMEE LATIMER tracks the perks and industry-firsts that are revolutionising travel and changing travellers’ perception of what’s possible in the sky and on the rails

Eurostar catering

D koreanair.com

Etihad The introduction of personal suites has defined a new precedent in luxury air travel. As the flag carrier airline of the United Arab Emirates, you would expect Etihad’s planes’ interiors to feature a certain amount of glitz. However, its Diamond first-class suites go beyond expectation and dip into pure fantasy: they are plated in mock-gold and padded with tan leather, and each suite is fitted with a beautifully crafted 6 ft 8 inch flat-bed seat. And, as is now the norm with plane suites, an incorporated second chair gives passengers the opportunity to socialise in privacy. A changing room, wardrobe and personal chef are just a few more perks courtesy of Etihad. D etihad.com

Eurostar’s Raymond Blanc

First-class with British Airways

Etihad’s first class menu

Etihad’s first class lounge

Virgin Atlantic’s Heathrow clubhouse

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business TRAVEL

Singapore Airlines’ suite

British Airways British Airways is one of the best airlines with which to rack up frequent flyer miles: the airline operates more than 300,000 flights a year, and, as Heathrow’s major operator, accounts for approximately 50 per cent of flights to and from the airport. Members of British Airways’ executive club collect Avios points every time they book a flight, or book and shop with one of the airline’s partners. Members can also earn tier points to help them move from Blue to the highest membership level, Gold, which offers access to first-class lounges and complimentary Elemis spa treatments at Heathrow and John F. Kennedy International Airport. D britishairways.com

First class with Emirates

American Airlines’ Flagship check-in

American Airlines American Airlines offers passengers a customised American Five Star Service that goes well beyond a typical meet-andgreet. The service includes a private escort to the gate, priority boarding and access to the Admirals club lounge. Furthermore, representatives work behind the scenes to monitor the status of flights and to rebook accommodation when flights are delayed. If that fails to impress, the first-class section of the airline’s Boeing 777 aircraft features swivel seating – an aviation industry first – that makes faceto-face chatting easier than ever before. However, if the thought of swivelling, extra-talkative fellow passengers seems somewhat of a put-off, complimentary noisecancelling headphones are provided. D americanairlines.co.uk

American Airlines’ premium class amenities

Emirates Emirates is renowned for creating an atmosphere of calm for its passengers. To capture a sense of serenity up in the clouds, the company

has included two walnut and marble shower rooms as part of the first class experience aboard its A380. Once refreshed, passengers can then stretch their legs with a stroll to either of two upper-deck lounges, and sit around a curved wooden bar stocked with fine Champagne, vibrant cocktails and a selection of wine chosen by Emirates’ own sommeliers. D emirates.com

Eurostar Earlier this year, Eurostar hired Raymond Blanc OBE as its new culinary director to boster the company’s reputation for catering. Since the appointment, Michelin-starred Blanc has designed menus exclusive to Eurostar’s business premier travellers using locally-sourced ingredients. So locally-sourced, in fact, that the partnership has made Eurostar the first transport provider to be awarded a Sustainable Restaurant Association rating. D eurostar.com

Singapore Airlines In another industry first, passengers booked into Singapore Airlines suites have the pleasure of sleeping on a standalone bed, rather than a converted seat. The plush bed is encased in a wood and leather panelled suite, which features sliding doors and window blinds for maximum privacy. Singapore Airlines is known for its generous use of space and every first-class seat is a roomy 35-inches wide. D singaporeair.com

Virgin Atlantic Nowadays, for airlines to compete they need to offer a luxury experience that starts in the airport – not the air. Virgin Atlantic has introduced clubhouses, an exclusive spot where its Upper Class and Flying Club Gold members can unwind or work before a flight. Virgin Atlantic’s Heathrow clubhouse spans a number of sections and includes a room dotted with wireless laptops for online browsing; a den, dedicated to the latest video games; the Grey Goose loft bar, where you can watch planes take off through skylights; and a poolside lounge, that spectacularly features a suspended fountain. D virgin-atlantic.com

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The Hotel Bristol is one of the most elegant buildings in Poland

Business Destination:

Warsaw Nick Smith heads to Warsaw for work, and finds a green, vibrant city alive with opportunity

The University Library roof-garden brings an extra splash of green to the Warsaw skyline

f you’ve ever wondered what Prince Charles, Bruce Springsteen and Margaret Thatcher might have in common, it’s unlikely that you’d have come up with Warsaw’s Hotel Bristol as the answer. But these three individuals are just a few of the countless icons of power, influence and culture to make this classic hotel their temporary home. The Bristol is unashamedly the best hotel in Poland. And it’s hardly surprising that this should be the case because the hotel’s founder – Ignacy Jan Paderewski – brought his unique genius and Midas touch to everything he ever got involved in. Revered as a classical composer and a concert pianist of international renown, this rather vesatile hotelier was also the country’s prime minister and the father of what we think of today as modern Poland. As with Wasaw’s other favourite son – Frédéric Chopin – you feel Paderewski’s presence everywhere. And nowhere more than at the Hotel Bristol. Best for business There are plenty of up-market chain hotels in Warsaw, but why anyone should wish to stay in them when the quirky and stylish Bristol is up for grabs is anyone’s guess. Marvel at the oldest elevators in Poland, check out the suite (now a national heritage site) in which the Polish parliament was established and where in 1919 the first cabinet meeting was held. Wander around enthralled by the Art Deco and Art Nouveau interiors.

Destination

business TRAVEL Public art lines the city’s green space, none more beautiful that ‘Ewa’

PHOTOGRAPHY: © Copyright, Nick Smith

Religious statues are on every street in the Old Town

The crowned heads of Europe and leading politicians of the past century all came here to do discuss affairs of state. If you want to impress a client, there really isn’t anywhere better to take them. And if you can get up onto the hotel’s rooftop terrace – the Glorietta – for a sundowner, you’re in for an experience you’ll never forget. Although more than a century old, and one of the finest examples of fin de siècle architecture in Warsaw, Bristol is also a thoroughly modern luxury hotel, complete with all the meeting, banqueting and spa facilities that you’d expect. And it’s a great place to do business, if for no other reason than you might be checking your emails alongside Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Last time the Rolling Stones were in town they booked out a whole floor, with the superannuated rockers, according to the barman at least, the mirror of style and gentility. I rather liked having a glass of Chopin vodka in the hotel bar where the hell-raisers had taken afternoon tea, and eating pierogi (Polish ravioli) in the hotel’s Viennese-style Café Bristol, which, unsurprisingly, is the best café in Warsaw. As with everywhere these days, all the digital comms and ‘work from home’ trimmings come as standard. Although you’ll find that there’s nothing standard about the sumptuously appointed rooms. They’re not that big compared with modern hotels, but that doesn’t matter because you won’t be spending that much time in there. The public areas, such as the wonderful courtyard, and bars are so stylishly luxurious that you won’t want to hang out in your room for too long.

Warsaw’s finest Viennesestyle cafe - the Cafe Bristol

An afternoon off Modern history hasn’t been kind to Poland, and Warsaw has taken more of a battering than any city deserves. Occupied by the Nazis, overrun by the Communists, ethnically-cleansed, culturally-pillaged, the city should feel downtrodden and beaten. But the city of Chopin is alive with music, green spaces and public art. If you have a spare afternoon check out the roof garden of the University Library with its stunning views of the Vistula River. Amble through the Old Town to the Royal Castle, through the citadel ruins, or watch the world drift past on the Royal Route where every other building is a church or a café. Take a stroll in the beautiful Ujazdów Park where you’ll see monuments to Paderewski and Chopin, as well as extraordinary sculptures, statues and artworks seemingly around every corner. If your free afternoon stretches into a free evening then you have no choice other than to go the Warsaw Philharmonic Hall. When I was there one of Poland’s national treasures, the 90-year-old Stanisław Skrowaczewski, conducted Beethoven’s 9th in one of those small, classic, Eastern European music halls.

Street art in Warsaw’s Old Town

Despite its 19th century feel, the hall is modern, having been rebuilt after the original was flatttened by Nazi bombs during the Second World War. So much of Warsaw is rebuilt, restored and renovated that you stop wondering whether things are original or not. And at the Hotel Bristol, which has gone through several incarnations, the décor may come and go, but the underlying sensation of classic elegance is a permanent fixture. D hotelbristolwarsaw.pl

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Ultimate Away Days Whether you’re showing your appreciation to a team that’s just earned you millions, or bolstering relationships with critical clients, nothing works quite as well as treating them to a weekend away. So, with time of the essence, where’s best to impress in 50-something hours? Richard Brown makes some suggestions

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business travel

2: SPOIL THEM STATESIDE

D For more on the White Isle, see our special Spanish travel feature, p. 104.

D Flights available at ba.com

3: GOLF IN THE ALGARVE It boasts more than 200 km of beautiful coastline and experiences more sunshine per year than California. Yet it’s not the Algarve’s climate or beaches that account for it appearing on this page: it’s the area’s golf courses. Numbering nearly 40, they cater for all proficiencies, making the south of Portugal one of the best places to match a course to the capabilities of your corporate clients. Head for Vilamoura (the Puerto Banús of the Algarve) and away from the Victoria Golf Club, which hosts the Portuguese Masters every year, you’ve got the Oceanico Old, the original and oldest course in the region. Designed by Frank Pennink, beautifully-kept trees, pine-lined fairways and small, manicured greens make this par 73 course one of the finest in Europe. Other gems in this golfing Utopia include the world-class San Lorenzo, located alongside the Atlantic on sandy undulating terrain, and Monte Rei, which, set amongst mountains, is one of Europe’s few Jack Nicklaus ‘Signature’ courses. Whichever course you choose, expect stunning scenery, superb service and some of the best bunkering you’ll find outside of St Andrews. D oceanicogolf.com / sanlorenzogolfcourse.com / monte-rei.com

1: PARTY IN IBIZA It’s the obvious choice and probably a jaunt best suited to strengthening relationships with people you know rather than prospective clients you don’t; unless, of course, you’re aware of a group of wouldbe associates with a penchant for poolside partying and dancing until dawn (which, in the City, shouldn’t be too hard to find). Conveniently, the hedonistic hotspot of the world is just a two-and-a-half hour flight away, meaning you can leave the office at 5pm on a Friday and be popping champagne in Pacha by midnight. Nurse the inevitable hangover on Saturday with a visit to the island’s famous Blue Marlin beach club: the place where the rich, famous and beautiful go to watch the late afternoon become early evening in front of serene, picture-postcard waters. Revived, make for another of Ibiza’s VIP-friendly venues on Sunday: Ushuaïa. Get involved at the clubbers’ hotel and open air party destination from 3pm until midnight before the flight home beckons. Dance until boarding time courtesy of Pacha’s very own in-airport enterprise, before landing in the early hours and being back at your desk, in body if not in mind, by 9am.

When you’re considering mixing work and play across the pond, Las Vegas may be the choice that first springs to mind; brilliant if, thanks to the flights, you can be spared from the office for four days or more; not so, if you can’t. Handily, there’s a city on the east coast that doesn’t make for a bad work-related jolly-up either; one that can be reached four hours quicker than its Nevada counterpart and one that, even more conveniently for a weekend away, famously doesn’t sleep. To get there, fly business class via BA’s Club World service from London City Airport. After a 15 minute check-in-todeparture process, you’ll be aboard a plane that, with only 32 fully-reclining seats, feels more private jet than commercial aeroplane. Shop, sightsee, catch some American sport courtesy of the New York Yankees, before exploring the city’s most-exclusive speakeasies. We recommend the ultraexclusive PDT [Please Don’t Tell], the nearimpossible-to-find The Back Room, and the uber-glamorous Beauty & Essex. For a decadently fitting end to what’s sure to be a thoroughly indulgent trip, make for Wall and Water on Wall Street, where you’ll be able to enjoy foie gras and lobster while looking out at the place your New York counterparts spend their working weeks. Fly back through the night to London City Airport and be back in the City within 40 minutes of landing.

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business travel

4: SKI COURCHEVEL Just as the countless courses of the Algarve make it the ideal golfing location to take business associates, the limitless range of runs in the Three Valleys promise to cater to the downhill needs of any established or would-be client. While Meribel and Val Thorens offer their own party scenes, if you’re looking to impress, it’s Courchevel you’re after. The glamorous heart of the world’s largest ski area, Courchevel is the ultimate skiers’ playground, a magnet for the wealthy and a Mecca for those appreciative of slopeside sophistication; which is where Chalet Bergerie comes into its own. Opened at the start of this year, the residence offers a prime ski-in, ski-out location and comes with two master suites and five large en-suite double bedrooms, each with a bathtub, rainforest shower and separate Japanese style restrooms. Upstairs, a stunning living area incorporates a magnificent fireplace and offers staggering views of the surrounding mountains. Downstairs, you’ll find a spa and wellness area, 20m by 5m swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and state-of-the-art fitness room. Naturally, a masseur and beautician are on-hand at all times. If that doesn’t appeal, there’s always the private screening room that comes with HD projector, a movie database, PS3 and Xbox. In peak season, a one week stay will set you back around a cool £200k. D labergerie1850.com

5: COMPETE IN MARBELLA

Courchevel is the ultimate skiers’ playground...a Mecca for those appreciative of slope-side sophistication

They say that without the Marbella Club, there would be no Marbella. Indeed, almost 60 years after the hotel began transforming Andalusia from an obscure stretch of Spanish coastline into a favourite destination among the international jet-set, the Marbella Club continues to provide a haven for the A-list and a superb setting for a client-based excursion. Here’s why… Inspired by the notion that few places in the world allow its visitors to experience both alpine skiing and swimming in the sea on the same day, the Marbella Club gives its guests the chance to compete across a range of adrenaline-generating sports in two or three day packages. After tactically losing to your most treasured clients at downhill skiing, pigeon shooting, polo, paddle tennis, golf, motorsport, archery and water skiing, we’re sure that contract will re-sign itself. So assured is Franck Sibille, Marbella Club’s resort’s general manager, of the resort’s appeal, that he considers his closest rivals to be a handful of hotels located in Miami and Monte Carlo; in the south of Spain, there’s simply no competition. To organise a ‘Spring Games Experience’, including transfers, accommodation, and sports, email reservas@marbellaclub.com or call 0034 95 282 2211. D marbellaclub.com

august 2013 CW 95

WEEK SUMMER TRIAL FOR £30

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*£30 refunded on joining. One trial per person. T&C apply, see our website. “The Reebok Club is a supporter of Change4Life. In order to maintain a healthy weight we need to both eat better and move more.”

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beautiful destinations, luxurious escapes & exclusive resorts

A Rarefied World

At the highest point of the highest of Rome’s seven hills, sits the Regina Hotel Baglioni. At the top of that, sits the Roman Penthouse. It’s a location that comes with certain perks, namely, views of the city you won’t find anywhere else. Take a 360° stroll of the 290 square metres that make up the penthouse’s outdoor terraces, and from the Colosseum to the Sistine Chapel, behold the monuments that make up picturepostcard Rome. Not that the charms of the city’s newest suite stop there. Inside, the extravagantly styled penthouse boasts a Jacuzzi, three bedrooms, four bathrooms, two lounges and a private kitchen, bar and dining room. Book a stay and you’ll also enjoy limousine transfers, a dedicated concierge service, as well as your own barman and chef for three hours each day. Should you decide to leave the splendour of the suite and explore the city’s other spoils, then many of Rome’s main attractions are only walking distant away. Just make sure you’re back on the terrace for sunset. D baglionihotels.com

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MADRID AIMEE LATIMER travels to Madrid to experience a city steeped in culture and character WHERE TO STAY… Villa Magna Dramatic and romantic, the Villa Magna was used in the 1970s as apartments for aristocrats. Now a 150-room and 30-suite luxury hotel, Villa Magna layers sophistication with glamour and exclusivity in the heart of Madrid. All of its elegant rooms, and its truly decadent royal suite, follow a clean and restful colour palette of dove greys and creams. Beyond the quality of the accommodation, the on-site dining is also enticing. The main restaurant’s specialty is decadent shellfish, while its other Asian offering, Tse Yang, boasts some of Spain’s finest Cantonese food. For something lighter, cocktails and canapés at its Magnum Bar’s terrace will see you mingling with a queue of locals keen to experience the atmosphere of this famous hotel. D villamagna.es

WHERE TO EAT… La Capilla de la Bolsa

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WHAT TO DO… Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art

From top to bottom: Plaza de la Cibeles; La Capilla de la Bolsa restaurant; Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía; Monument to Alonso XII; The Puerta de Alcala.

British Airways and partners Iberia operate flights to Madrid from both London City Airport and Heathrow. Passengers travelling from London City have up to 3 daily flights to choose from and benefit from a fast track check-in to aircraft experience

Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art is made up of three of the city’s most important art museums: Museo Nacional del Prado, Museo ThyssenBornemisza and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. The museums are located in the centre of the city within walking distance of one another. All three share dramatic architecture and a collection of priceless art and artefacts that shed an in-depth light into Spain’s history. D esmadrid.com

DON’T MISS… A final stroll In a city filled with gardens, Parque de Buen Retiro is a rare flower. As one of the largest public parks in Spain, the sprawling grounds are framed within a modern-day city. A stop by its Grecian-inspired fountains, or a closer look at some of its sculptures, or perhaps simply a walk through a tree-lined avenue, will take you back to a more romantic era. D madridtourist.info

If you like your holidays memorable, then a night at La Capilla de la Bolsa is a must. Diners sit under a baroque vaulted ceiling that is illuminated with an ever-changing light display. Underneath, prominent frescoed walls encircle a centre of pure white tables and chairs. For the food, expect modern Mediterranean dishes that are both wonderfully executed and, of course, beautifully presented.

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vantage point

Dine on top of the world at the Banyan Tree Bangkok’s Vertigo Grill & Moon Bar, the highest rooftop restaurant and bar in Asia Pacific. Choose between seafood and wagyu steak as you sip Vertigo Sunset cocktails and look out upon the city’s endless rooftops. D banyantree.com

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ESCAPE From long-haul retreats and weekend breaks, to chic city stopovers and tropical hideaways, these are some of the world’s top foodie breaks

For those in the know, Auberge du Soleil is the place to stay, and eat, in Napa Valley. The venue first began as a restaurant opened by restaurateur Claude Rousa. The food must have been so good that the guests never wanted to leave, as soon an inn was built around the venue. 30 years and a Michelin-star later, Auberge du Soleil is still flourishing. Each of the inn’s rooms is positioned to optimise views of the surrounding valleys and gardens, and this creates a beautiful backdrop for gentle days spent touring vineyards and heady nights passed dining on word-class, but locally-sourced, food. D aubergedusoleil.com

rustic fare

Keen to promote Florence’s rich dining heritage, luxury hotel Il Salviatino has launched ‘Dine Around’, a full- and halfday board option that encourages guests to visit a number of local and regionwide restaurants and cafés. Experience a rustic trattoria-style restaurant, which traditionally has no menus, where diners eat simple, local dishes and wine is served by decanter. D salviatino.com

an education

Head to France for a five-day cookery course at Walnut Grove. Unlike other stop-and-start cookery schools, Walnut Grove combines chef-prepared gourmet feasts with advanced cooking sessions. Book in for a day, or up to five, and learn how to create complex dishes from scratch, and the tricks behind the art of presentation. The tutors are chefs Maynard Harvey and Benedict Haines, both talented, professional chefs with a deep understanding of food. With a maximum of four guests to one chef, whether you are making barbe à papa (‘papa’s beard’, or ‘candyfloss’ as it’s known in the UK) or one of their multitude of Asian-inspired recipes, this is a fantastic excuse to eat and be merry. D walnutgrovecookery.com

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Taste of Spain Emma Johnson visits beautiful, intoxicating San Sebastian and finds a foodie heaven par excellence

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PHOTOGRAPHY: courtesy of Liudmila Ermolenko

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here is something about San Sebastian that, for any foodie, makes it an essential destination for a culinary pilgrimage. This small seaside town’s gastronomic reputation is one of the best in the world – if you mention it to anyone who has been, you will always get the same reaction. “Ah, San Sebastian...” they proclaim wistfully; accompanying this statement with an involuntary hand to the stomach, a dreamy gaze into the distance and a long, satisfied sigh. This is the land of the Basque people, renowned for many things – some less good than others – but without question people who love their food. San Sebastian, or Donostia as the Spanish call it, has retained a very classic Basque food culture and remains one of the most exciting places to dine in Spain. Eating in San Sebastian takes two forms – at one end of the scale a host of stunning Michelin-starred restaurants serve some of the most adventurous food in the country in luxurious surroundings. At the other, much more fun, end, is the tradition of pinchos. Pinchos make traditional tapas seem like unimaginative plates of stew – these beautifullycrafted, bite-size dishes are the sushi of the Basque world, intricately created, boasting a wealth of flavour and unique ingredients. Crostini with anchovies topped with caviar and chilli, grilled asparagus and foie gras, vast plates of Iberico ham, baby eels with red peppers and guindillas (green peppers) – there is so much choice you could never leave San Sebastian having tried everything it had to offer. Pinchos are served, and charged, individually and are piled high on every bar in San Sebastian. Customers take – or ask for – a plate and get busy choosing; they then remember what they’ve had and tell the barman afterwards. You eat standing up, leaning against the bar, while silver or wooden troughs run around the base of the bar to catch wayward food and discarded cocktail sticks. You order one or two dishes, a glass of something to drink, eat it, and then move on to the next place. It’s not glamorous, per se, but it’s great fun. The good thing about San Sebastian is its size; it takes minutes to find your way around, the intricate cobbled streets of the old town are clearly marked and easy to navigate – or get happily lost in. We started off, map in hand, plotting our way to recommended bars and restaurants, but soon decided that happening upon these places (as so often occurred), while discovering several new ones on the way, was much more fun. In this way we discovered Txepetxa – a tiny bar, with Spanish football on a knackered TV in the corner, and a menu of nothing but marinated anchovies in various guises; Conchada san Telmo, packed to the rafters, serving huge slabs of foie gras; La Cepa – who served the best hams and grilled peppers; Martinez – whose endless bar was piled high with intricate pinchos at amazing prices; and Borda Berri – a friendly place with no on-bar pinchos but one of the most

interesting menus we’d come across. At this stage we’d both had enough vino tinto to risk playing a bit of menu roulette – ordering unpronounceable items from the boards behind the bar and hoping for the best. There were some successes – salmorejo (a delicious cold Spanish soup with garlic, tomatoes, ham and chopped eggs) and garbanzos con chorizo (chickpeas and spicy sausage stew), but we also mistakenly ordered gelatinous pigs ears, hake throat and fish cheeks. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it’s the best way to get to grips with some Spanish delicacies. All this walking, standing and eating is great for variety, but by day three we were ready to sit down and actually eat something with proper utensils and plates. So we headed to Getaria – a pretty seaside village with a small fishing port, a 20-minute drive from San Sebastian. Lunch was booked at Elkano, renowned for its fish cooked on an outside grill or brazier, and a favourite of the locals. As we took our seats the head chef came over – apologising for his track-suited attire. “I am still cleaning and gutting the fish from this morning’s catch,” he explained. There can be no better way to convey just how much this was reflective of the divinely fresh fish we proceeded to devour, which included grilled anchovies, crab and a whole turbot, shared between the two of us. An amazing meal. Eating isn’t the only pastime at which the Spanish excel; drinking comes pretty high on the list too. In San Sebastian, Txakoli, for instance, is the local tipple of choice, a sour, sparkling fizz, served in a pint glass, poured from a great height to encourage the bubbles. At €1.50 it’s the cheapest drinking option in the town – and it cuts through the variety of rich dishes we’re consuming with perfectly matched precision. If you fancy something more decadent, then head for Bideluze, which boasts some of the most amazing Spanish wines, all available by the glass. Order a glass of Belondrade y Lurton, arguably Spain’s best white wine, which will set you back just €10, or splash out and plump for a glass of Vega Sicilia, a dreamy Rioja, available here for €16 a glass. There are plenty of boutique hotels to choose from, which offer a more rustic way to enjoy the town, but San Sebastian also has a grand, regal elegance that is perfectly matched in 100-year-old Hotel Maria Cristina, situated on the harbour front with views across the bay. The recently refurbished Belle Époque interior is lavish and elegant, greys and purples dominate, and rooms are generous in size, with glorious marble bathrooms, chandeliers and vast beds. Our room looked out over the turquoise Cantabrian sea, and boasted a separate dressing room and lobby. Breakfast every morning was an equally lavish affair, which we approached carefully every morning, knowing how much other delicioius food was awaiting us just steps away. D hotel-mariacristina.com

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Spain Special

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espite its charming rural villages and the fact that it has more beaches than Majorca and Ibiza put together, Menorca has remained relatively under the radar as a holiday hotspot in comparison; which is surprising when you consider how easy it is to get there. Direct BA flights from London City Airport go frequently throughout the summer. Check-in your bags, grab a glass of champagne, courtesy of BA Business Class, and just two hours later you’ll be on the Balearic Island. As travelling goes, it’s pretty painless. Ten-minutes from the airport is Torralbenc Hotel, which opened two months ago as the area’s first luxury boutique hotel. Bought by hotelier Peter Carrington (owner of Majorca’s Cap Rocat), it lies in the heart of the countryside and was chosen for two reasons: the first being to produce wine, (the fruits of his labour are already visible from the vineyard); and the second, to create a hotel which epitomised understated luxury. The former farm, dating back to the 19th century, has provided a perfect setting. Torralbenc represents the newest breed of hotel which goes against old-school luxury and instead looks to a more simplified, contemporary version, which is most apparent in the bedrooms. The minimalist design reflects a compromise between contemporary living and Menorcan architecture. My guest and I were initially a little dismayed by our room’s modest decor, and yet I found myself almost completely converted to this restrained form of comfort by the end of my stay. Even those Princesses at heart (myself included) will find the room’s saving graces in the spacious bathroom and private garden terrace. If you’re looking to be waited on hand and foot, this isn’t the place for you. While attentive and obliging, the laid-back staff are there to promote the hotel’s ethos of easy living, and generally leave guests to their own devices. A prime example of this is at breakfast time. Guests can choose to take it on the public terrace overlooking the vast Menorcan countryside, or in the privacy of their own garden, an experience not to be missed. Delivered in a hand-woven basket, it is delivered without a word from a member of staff. At first believing there to be some mistake, I soon realise that we’re expected to unpack the picnic hamper ourselves. Like excitable children who’ve discovered a toy box, we proceeded to unearth the delights within. For the rest of our stay, we ordered room service every morning. Indeed, there’s no standing on ceremony at Torralbenc;

instead, staff drift around in floaty white kaftans and khaki trousers with a refreshing devil-may-care attitude. While I welcomed this wholeheartedly, it could sometimes be confusing as to who was staff and who were guests. Torralbenc’s restaurant Sa Taula is led by head chef Pepe Corral and assisted by Michelin-starred Paco Morales. Guests are offered a choice of two menus: the simpler of the two includes smaller dishes (better for lunch) and the other caters towards a more formal dining experience. On our first night, my partner and I sat outside for dinner, enjoying the welcome light breeze from the nearby sea. The seven-course menu was filled with the finest seasonal produce, from the Iberian ham in the summer stew to the fresh vegetables in the Russian salad. Highlights included the suckling pig and the Spanish omelette which had been given an upmarket twist with additional truffles. Each course appeared decadent but was surprisingly light and lacking in pretension. The hotel doesn’t have a bar, but more than makes up for this with its own wine cellar. After dinner, a cup of fresh mint tea picked straight from the garden ensured a wonderful night’s sleep. While you could easily remain at the hotel throughout your holiday and enjoy the many facilities including the outdoor pool, fitness area, yoga room and spa, it would be a shame not to explore the rest of Menorca. A good time to visit is at the end of June when the town of Ciutadella really comes into its own with the Festival of St. John. Taking place 23 – 24 June, the religious event commemorates the patron saint and involves an elected member of the town carrying a sacrificial sheep through the streets; a truly remarkable (albeit bizarre) sight which shouldn’t be missed. The festival also serves to highlight Menorca’s agricultural heritage and, if you visit, you must take the opportunity to go to one of the farms where the regional cheese is produced. Torralbenc is situated just a short drive away from the coast, and the island has a wealth of beaches which have thankfully been saved from the beer-slugging tourists who’ve invaded neighbouring Majorca and Ibiza. Admittedly, Menorca wouldn’t be the first port of call if you’re looking for excitement, but it remains a great retreat for those in need of some peace and quiet. The same goes for tranquil Torralbenc, which is perfect for young couples wishing to be left alone on a romantic weekend getaway. Two nights on the farm and I believe that many of my Princess tendencies had been ironed out. My partner politely disagrees.

The laid-back staff are there to promote the hotel’s ethos of easy living, and generally leave guests to their own devices

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Escape to the Country Just a two hour plane ride away and set in the idyllic countryside, Olivia Sharpe explains why Menorcaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest hotel, Torralbenc, makes for the perfect rural retreat

Sunrise to Sunrise When The Ushuaïa Beach Hotel opened in 2011, it revolutionised the way people partied in Ibiza. Two years later, and Ushuaïa’s latest venture, The Tower, hopes to do the same thing with the way people eat and drink on the island. Richard Brown steps into the world of the VIP

~ take me there ~ Monarch flies to Ibiza from London Gatwick with fares, including taxes, starting from £47.99 one way (£77.99 return). All customers are allocated a seat at check-in; however seats can be pre-allocated on scheduled Monarch flights for £4.99 per one-way flight. Extra legroom seats are also available offering up to six inches of extra space from only £6.99. monarch.co.uk Rooms at The Ushuaïa Tower start from €194 per room/night (double occupancy) including breakfast. ushuaiabeachhotel.com/en/thetower

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ight, so, get this: one Friday last month, after a sleepless week in which I’d been juggling print deadlines with the horrors of moving house, I left the office at eight in the evening bound for Ibiza. After a flight shared with a young, dumb, St-Antonia-set crowd, we arrived at our hotel 3am local time. Drinks appeared, then shots, then sunrise, then, finally, bed. Stay with me… The next 50-something hours were a daisy-chain of midmorning breakfasts, day-time drinks and all-night dancing sessions. Sunrise was witnessed for consecutive mornings and the bottoms of too many beer bottles were seen. We were still on the go 2am Monday morning, 45-minutes before our return flight took off, making the most of Ibiza Airport’s in-situ nightclub. Again, stay with me… After a two-and-a-something hour flight, we landed just after 4am, a taxi getting me home just after 5am. Following a five-hour kip, I was showered and shaved and back at my desk by midday. And here’s the thing, after all of that, after all the drinking, all the dancing, all of the lost hours of missed sleep, I felt absoluuuuuutely........ Amazing. Not tired, not hung-over, not in a suicidal-state of self-loathing, screaming for my bed and wanting the world to end. Nope. Instead, I spent the next two days extolling to anyone who’d listen the rejuvenating benefits of a weekend spent in Ibiza. Granted, by Thursday the tan had faded, the music had grown muted and the lack of sleep had me shouting for the weekend. But, until then, I had returned invigorated, restored, and ready to conquer whatever the working week might throw at me. Absurd, certainly, but even more bizarre when you consider we’d been staying at The Ushuaïa, which, as anyone who’s visited Ibiza since the hotel opened in 2011 will testify, isn’t a place you go for its revitalising abilities. Until now it seems. Since May of this year, The Ushuaïa franchise has been split into two entities (well, three if you count the original beach club from which it grew): party-centric The Ushuaïa Beach Hotel, whose poolside stage has been graced by superstar DJs David Guetta, Avicii, Luciano, Fatboy Slim and Swedish House Mafia; and the newly opened The Ushuaïa Tower, the more intimate and altogether laidback sibling to its head-banging next-door neighbour. Designed, we’re told, to suit the needs of those looking for the Ushuaïa experience but with a slice of added exclusivity, The Tower is less a place to party, more a place to eat, drink and unwind. It boasts, for example, an upmarket oyster and caviar bar slap-bang next to its infinity-edge pool, itself

offering idyllic, unobstructed views of the Mediterranean Sea. Add a nearby cocktail bar, providing bespoke creations to an international clientele, and a cigar lounge serving cigars, rare bourbons and dark spirits, and you begin to see how The Tower is about refinement than all-out revelry. And still, as easy-going in comparison to its sister as the hotel may be, this is – you won’t be allowed to forget – the second outpost from a franchise made famous for pandering to the planet’s most dedicated party-goers: what accounts for laidback in some people’s eyes, won’t necessarily match The Tower’s own vision of tranquillity. And so, outside, poolside parties kick-off not long after lunch, while inside, shiny rooms with enormous flat-screen TVs, Jacuzzis and state-of-the-art sound systems bear names like ‘The Fashion Victim Suite’, ‘The I’m on top of the World Suite’ and ‘The Anything Can Happen Suite’. Stay in the latter and a mirrored ceiling above your circular bed and a suggestive erotic gift-set will remind you that you’re here to have fun. Generating nearly as much excitement as The Tower’s opening itself, has been the news that Richard Turner – of Hawksmoor fame – has branchedout of London to open Ibiza’s first world-class steakhouse within the hotel. Served with the usual array of specialty sides inspired by the American steakhouse culture, Montauk offers diners the chance to indulge in either 35-day dry-aged Spanish Basque, British Longhorn or Nebraskan Black Angus beef. Grilled Dover sole, lobster and baby lamb ‘Nieve’ cater for non-steak lovers, while a takeaway service allows islanders to savour the restaurant’s offering in the privacy of their own homes. If you visit Montauk, and you most certainly should, I can vouch for the freshness of Caesar salad and roasted sea scallops and the tenderness of the smoked pork belly ribs. For mains, both the New York strip and rib eye steaks are melt-in-your-mouth good, but whichever you choose be sure to add the candied bacon as a side (I could have eaten several pots of the stuff by themselves). From the dessert menu, opt for either the peanut butter shortbread or the peanut butter chocolate sundae, both are outstanding. You’ll pay upwards of £100 per head at Montauk, but for food that’s as good, if not better, than any of London’s steakhouses, it’s money for which you won’t mourn. And so, after 50-something hours, insomniac levels of sleep, three sunrises, countless cocktails and one mirrored ceiling, I arrived back at my desk positively beaming. The maths don’t make sense, I can’t explain why, but I returned from The Tower feeling every bit the VIP. Well, for a few days at least.

The maths don’t make sense, I can’t explain why, but I returned from The Tower feeling every bit the VIP

august 2013 CW 105

TourduVin Rebecca Ross discovers the delights of vintage cycling, wine vintages and some very good food in France’s Loire Valley

lanc ou rouge?” is the question being asked of me. Normally I have a very definitive answer to this, depending on the weather, the food I am eating and whether it feels like a ‘Pinot day’; however, right now I am stumped. I’m partway through the longest cycle ride I have ever attempted, stood in the moat of a castle nearly one thousand years old, and surrounded by a host of jolly cyclists on everything from tandems to penny-farthings. This is a rest stop on the Anjou Vélo Vintage, a yearly extravaganza that invites cycling enthusiasts from all over the world to leisuredly race through the Loire Valley’s picturesque countryside in retro style. In its third and largest year, Anjou Vélo Vintage has created a huge village of old-timey offerings in the charming town of Saumur, so whether you want your moustache groomed, your specialist 1950s racer tweaked or would like to learn how do proper barrel curls, then there is something for everyone. Thousands of pinup girls and dapper gents explore the stalls and stages, attend the swinging jive parties and race in the six different races through the dramatic countryside. I (somewhat foolishly) opted to do the longest of the races on offer, an 87 km (54 miles) circuit, taking me through fields and forests, châteaux and cathedrals on my trusty Peugeot bike that is a good few years older than me. However authentically vintage, it turns out that a knee-length polka dot dress was not particularly appropriate bike-wear, and my fellow competitors on the long course looked much more professional in authentic, woollen cycling jerseys and caps. The race was boisterously competitive but very companionable and geared towards

having a lovely day out rather than setting world records, as we sped along serenaded by jazz bands and vintage ice cream vans. The event plays to the strengths of the region, showcasing the beautiful landscape, the fine delicacies of wine and food, a passion for cycling and also an engagement with the past. Cycling has always played a large role in this part of France, only a couple of hours south-west of Paris, where the long straight roads and idyllic setting combine to create perfect bike country. The first Tour de France in 1903 passed through this valley and cyclists still enjoy discovering its delights today. The Loire à Vélo scheme is a recent initiative that encourages bike tourism, creating safe and scenic cycling routes that stretch for over 800 km (497 miles), as well as a bike-hire scheme accessible to everyone. Once we’d worked up an appetite, it was time to sample the local produce. The historic viticulture of this region means that practically every glass you pick up will be holding some very good wine. I visited the vineyards of Chateau des Vaults, an organic, biodynamic vineyard set amongst the hills of Savennières. We were escorted around the vines by Viscountess Evelyne de Jessey-Pontbriand, who manages the estate and is the third generation of female winemakers in her family. She passionately explained the science and love that goes into making their wines. Sampling the whisper-soft wines later, it seemed you could practically taste the sunshine and care that the grapes had received. And it wasn’t just at vineyards that we got

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to indulge our grape curiosity; every meal we ate was accompanied by the delectable wines of the region, and I particularly enjoyed discovering the sparking Crémant de Loire which fizzes with celebration. The food itself also benefited from being very locally sourced. Succulent pork at the modern brasserie Le Petit Manoir near to the historic town of Saumur, was delicious. Trying frogs legs for the first time, at Brasserie de la Gare was interesting (they do indeed taste a lot like chicken!) but it was the scallops and steak that took the prize. The splendour of haute cuisine restaurant Salamandre gave its food a lot to live up to, but the dishes we were presented with gastronomic artistry, where my confit de canard fell off the bone and melted in the mouth. The orange liqueur Cointreau is also a product of the region. Tours are given around the historic distillery in Angers, walking around the giant copper stills, many dating back to the mid-1800s, and breathing in air heavy with orange zest. Happily the tour ends in the bar where we could sample the conventional usage in Margaritas and Cosmopolitans, to the contemporary ‘Cointreauversial’ twist of the Cointreau Fizz with grapefruit and paprika. As well as being home to fantastic food and very fine wines, this is a region filled with history and heritage. The locals preserve and respect their past – and also live among it. The passing centuries can be seen in the different styles of architecture still evident throughout the region, not least on 11th century Chateau de Brissac, which also has the distinction of being the tallest chateau in France, with the medieval fortifications giving way to an elaborate

17th century facade. King Louis XIII once stayed in one of the impressive chambers, now found behind a hidden passageway. With more chateaux than you can imagine, Anjou seems full of elegant turrets and impressive crenulations. Walking from our stately four star Hotel de France, the centre of Angers is a maze of cobbled streets with each twist and turn revealing a gothic cathedral, a Roman wall, a sculpted timber Renaissance house, and a huge castle. Château d’Angers dominates the riverside skyline, a huge fortress set in a deep moat. Originally built to protect against marauding Bretons, it now welcomes tourists to explore its beautiful rose-gardens, falconry displays, charming courtyard restaurants and fascinating history. The castle displays the Apocalypse Tapestry, the longest tapestry in the world, that, if laid end-to-end, would stretch a staggering 5,538 ft (1,872 m). From ancient to the new, Terra Botanica is a brand new theme park just outside the city. Dedicated to fauna and botany, the park is peopled by botanical experts gleefully explaining the diverse and fascinating world of plants. Impressive 4D shows give a raindrop perspective of the water cycle, giant walnuts can be pedalled around a track in the canopy and a gentle boat excursion leads to the Theatre of Plants, where the stories of certain flowers become a spectacle. Flying directly from Angers to London City Airport on BA CityFlyer meant that door-to-door travel time was cut down by several hours, while the service and the meals on board almost made me wish the flight was longer than the easy hour and a half. This gorgeous pocket of France retains all of its Gallic character, and with its food, wine, great weather and beautiful landscape it is the perfect setting for cycling enthusiasts, connoisseurs, gastronomes and architecture lovers. Something for everyone, then.

The event plays to the strengths of the region, showcasing the beautiful landscape, the fine delicacies of wine and food

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THE Directory Whether you want to dine or to drink, to purchase gorgeous gifts and stylish outfits, to keep fit or to be pampered, Canary Wharf is home to a wealth of services and amenities

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JAZZ FESTIVAL

This summer, Canary Wharf’s free jazz festival returns to Canada Square Park for a weekend of live music. Head there on 16, 17 and 18 August to witness stars take to the stage.

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treatment suite; Four Seasons Hotel London at Canary Wharf Westferry Circus 020 7510 1999 fourseasons.com/canarywharf The Rejuvenation Clinic & Medispa Cabot Place 020 3229 0257 Toni & Guy One Canada Square 0844 445 7722 Urban Beach Tanning & Beauty Jubilee Place 020 3200 2000

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Evans Cycles 30 South Colonnade 020 7516 0094 Reebok Sports Shop

French Connection Jubilee Place 020 7512 9110

Canada Place 02079700900

Gant Canada Place 020 7715 7470

Runners Need Churchill Place 020 7512 9107

Gap Canada Place 020 7512 1335

Kiehls, Jubilee Mall

Hackett 10 Cabot Place 020 7513 0400 Hobbs Canada Place 020 7513 2763 Hugo Boss Cabot Place 020 7715 5302 Jaeger Menswear, Cabot Place 020 3589 2948 Womenswear, Cabot Place 020 3328 9440 Karen Millen Jubilee Place 020 7519 6153 Kurt Geiger Cabot Place 020 7673 9869 L.K. Bennett Jubilee Place 020 7719 0090 Massimo Dutti Cabot Place 020 7718 5030 Monsoon Canada Place 020 7512 9543

The Pearson Room, Canada Square

food & drink ALL BAR ONE Reuters Plaza 020 7516 0191

ROCKET RESTAURANT & BAR Churchill Place 020 3200 2022

BATTERY CLUB Westferry Circus 020 8305 3089

IBERICA CANARY WHARF Cabot Square 020 7636 8650 ibericalondon.co.uk

Royal China Westferry Circus 020 7719 0888 royalchinagroup.biz

Boisdale of Canary Wharf Cabot Place 020 7715 5818 boisdale.co.uk

Jamie’s Italian Churchill Place 020 3002 5252 jamieoliver.com/italian

Smollensky’s Reuters Plaza 020 7719 0101 smollensky’s.co.uk

BYRON Cabot Place 020 7715 9360 byronhamburgers.com

Le Relais de Venise L’Entrecôte 18-20 Mackenzie Walk 020 3475 3331 relaisdevenise.com

Sri nam 1 North Colannade 020 7715 9515

Café Brera Cabot Place 020 7512 9191 Jubilee Place 020 7516 9090

NICOLAS WINE MERCHANT One Canada Square 020 7512 9092

AMERIGO VESPUCCI Cabot Square 020 7513 0288

CARLUCCIO’S Reuters Plaza 020 7719 1749 carluccios.com

Thomas Pink Cabot Place 020 7513 0303

CORNEY AND BARROW Cabot Square 020 7512 0397

whistles Jubilee Place 020 7519 6132

Gourmet Burger Kitchen Jubilee Place 020 7719 6408 gbk.co.uk

Roka The Park Pavilion 020 7636 5228 rokarestaurant.com

Canteen The Park Pavillion 020 7513 0406 canteen.co.uk

Topshop Canada Place 020 7512 1996

Iberica Terraza, Cabot Square

HENRY ADDINGTON Mackenzie walk 020 7719 1114

Ted Baker Canada Place 020 7519 6588

TM Lewin Canada Place 020 7519 6292 Jubliee Place 020 7519 6292

Molton Brown, Jubilee Place

DAVY’S WINE BAR Fisherman’s Walk 020 7363 6633

Obikà Mozzarella Bar West Wintergarden 020 7719 1532 the pearson room Canada Place 020 7970 0920 plateaurestaurant.co.uk Plateau Restaurant, Bar & Grill Canada Place 020 7715 7100 plateaurestaurant.co.uk

First Edition Cabot Square 020 7513 0300 firsteditionrestaurant.co.uk

Quadrato Restaurant Four Seasons Hotel London at Canary Wharf Westferry Circus 020 7510 1857 fourseasons.com/canarywharf

Gaucho Canary Canary Riverside 020 7987 9494 gauchorestaurants.co.uk

REEBOK BAR & RESTAURANT Canada Place 020 7970 0920

Sweet Couture Canada Place sweetcouture.co.uk The Cat and Canary 25-28 Fisherman’s Walk 0207 512 9187 The Parlour The Park Pavilion 0845 468 0100 theparlourbar.co.uk Wahaca The Park Pavilion 020 7516 9145 wahaca.com

PING!

From 2 – 11 August, four full-size table tennis tables will pop up in Jubilee Place as part of London’s Street Ping Pong Project. Get playing!

august 2013 CW 109

Daily promotions on inspirational home style Visit ACHICA.com

Canary Wharf magazine readership survey The official magazine for Canary Wharf wants to hear from you

By completing the brief questionnaire at www.rwmg.co.uk/survey you not only have the opportunity to tell us what you want but also when and where you want it. Best of all by simply giving us your opinion you are automatically entered into a prize draw to win an amazing weekend stay for two courtesy of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Run Wild Media Group! For your chance to win make sure that you include your full contact details. Terms & Conditions apply.

LONDON Homes&

PROPERTY Showcasing the finest homes in your area

Covering Canary Wharf, The Royal Docks, Stratford, Bow & Wapping

Time for a Change LONDONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FINEST HOMES

Image courtesy of Maurizio Pellizzoni Design Ltd www.mpdlondon.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk

Millharbour, Isle of Dogs E14

Orion Point, Isle of Dogs E14

A wonderful two bedroom apartment with a west facing balcony and parking. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, open plan kitchen, concierge, parking. EPC rating B. Approximately 77 sq m ﴾827 sq ft﴿

Spacious two bedroom apartment situated on the eighth floor boasting far reaching river and city views. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, open plan kitchen, concierge. EPC rating C. Approximately 86 sq m ﴾926 sq ft﴿

Guide price: £460,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary‐Wharf

Guide price: £470,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary‐Wharf

Arnhem Wharf, Isle of Dogs E14

Pan Peninsula, Isle of Dogs E14

Situated on the first floor, this wonderful two bedroom apartment offers direct river views. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, concierge, parking. EPC rating C. Approximately 77 sq m ﴾829 sq ft﴿

A top end two bedroom apartment situated on the 16th floor of this prestigious development. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, concierge, parking. EPC rating B. Approximately 78 sq m ﴾832 sq ft﴿

Guide price: £500,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary‐Wharf

Guide price: £635,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary‐Wharf

020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

CW Mag sales Aug 2013 - 05 July 2013 - 39207

020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

11/07/2013 13:15:20

KnightFrank.co.uk

Discovery Dock East, Isle of Dogs E14

West India Quay, Hertsmere Road E14

A very well presented two bedroom apartment with dock and river views. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, concierge, parking. EPC rating C. Approximately 82 sq m ﴾884 sq ft﴿

Spacious south facing two bedroom apartment situated on the 23rd floor of this premier development. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, open plan kitchen, concierge, parking. EPC rating C . Approximately 137 sq m ﴾1,472 sq ft﴿

Guide price: £635,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary‐Wharf

Guide price: £930,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary‐Wharf

Dundee Wharf, Limehouse E14

West India Quay, Hertsmere Road E14

Superbly presented three bedroom sub penthouse apartment with a large private terrace. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, concierge, parking. EPC rating F. Approximately 144 sq m ﴾1,550 sq ft﴿

Two bedroom duplex apartment situated on the 29th and 30th floors of a striking modern development. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, concierge, parking. EPC rating C. Approximately 202 sq m ﴾2,172 sq ft﴿

Guide price: £1,275,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary‐Wharf

Guide price: £1,795,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary‐Wharf

020 7512 9966 cwharf@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk

Dundee Wharf, Limehouse E14 Available Now

Recently modernised one bedroom apartment overlooking the River Thames in a prestigious gated devlopment with porter. Bedroom, bathroom, reception room, open plan kitchen, terrace, parking, gym. EPC rating E.

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings cwharf@knightfrank.com 020 7512 9955

Available furnished Guide price: £385 per week ﴾CWQ181737﴿

CW Mag-Lettings August - 05 July 2013 - 39191

11/07/2013 13:09:08

KnightFrank.co.uk

Pan Peninsula, Nr Canary Wharf E14 Available Now

Located on the 37th floor, this stunning two bedroom apartment boasts well designed and modern living space with a private balcony and lovely views. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, leisure facilities, concierge. EPC rating B.

KnightFrank.co.uk/Lettings cwharf@knightfrank.com 020 7512 9955

Available furnished Guide price: £600 per week ﴾CWQ174576﴿

CW Mag-Lettings-August 2013 page 2 - 05 July 2013 - 39193

11/07/2013 13:13:10

KnightFrank.co.uk Trafalgar Court, Wapping E1W Stunning river views

Beautifully presented apartment with river views. 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms ﴾1 en suite shower room﴿ and an open plan kitchen reception room leading to balcony overlooking the River Thames. The property is set in a portered block on Wapping Wall with easy access to both Canary Wharf and the City. A secure parking space is available with the apartment. EPC rating F. Available furnished Guide price: £535 per week

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/wapping wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848 ﴾WAQ153133﴿

Bridgeport Place, Wapping E1W Excellent location

A lovely 2nd floor apartment set in this popular development in west Wapping, very close to St Katharine Docks and the large Waitrose supermarket. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms ﴾1 en suite﴿, smart reception room, fully fitted new kitchen and an allocated parking space. EPC rating C. Available furnished Guide price: £450 per week

Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/wapping wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7480 6848 ﴾WAQ171564﴿

CW August 2013 Bridgeport Trafalgar - 15 July 2013 - 39533

15/07/2013 13:48:21

KnightFrank.co.uk KnightFrank.co.uk

Lion Court, London Court, LondonBridge SE1 Bridge SE1 Fantastic duplex Fantastic duplexpenthouse penthouse

Fantastic duplex penthouse to rent in London Bridge. 3 good size bedrooms ﴾all with Fantastic duplex penthouse to rent in London Bridge. 3 good size bedrooms ﴾all with access on to a terrace﴿ 3 luxury bathrooms ﴾2 en suite﴿, a spacious reception room, a access on to a terrace﴿ 3 luxury bathrooms ﴾2 en suite﴿, a spacious reception room, a beautifully fully‐fitted kitchen diner with 2 separate terraces and excellent views of The beautifully fully‐fitted kitchen diner with 2 separate terraces and excellent views of The Shard. The apartment further benefits from a study, mezzanine area and a great double Shard. The apartment further benefits from a study, mezzanine area and a great double height entrance hall. EPC rating C. Approximately 199 sq m ﴾2137 sq ft﴿ height entrance hall. EPC rating C. Approximately 199 sq m ﴾2137 sq ft﴿ Guide price: £1,950 per week Guide price: £1,950 per week

Wapping Lettings Wapping Lettings KnightFrank.co.uk/Wapping KnightFrank.co.uk/Wapping wapping@knightfrank.com wapping@knightfrank.com 020 7480 68486848 020 7480

﴾WAQ181963﴿ ﴾WAQ181963﴿

CW August Lion FP Lion Court - 15 July 2013 - 39536

22/07/2013 16:25:13

savills.co.uk

for sale

BROMPTON SQUARE, SW3

GAYTON ROAD, NW3

6 bedrooms u media room u garden u Grade II listed

5 bedrooms u swimming pool u garage u EPC=D

Guide £11.95 million Sloane Street - 020 7730 0822

Guide £6.85 million Hampstead - 020 7472 5000

for sale

27 offices in London, 80 offices in the UK and 500 offices globally.

PRINCES GATE MEWS, SW7 3 bedrooms u mews house u terrace u EPC=C Guide £4.95 million Knightsbridge - 020 7581 5234

for sale

THE CHASE, SW4

WESTFERRY CIRCUS, E14

5 bedrooms u 66ft south-west facing garden u EPC=D

4 bedrooms u 4 bathrooms u balcony u EPC=C

Guide £3.1 million Clapham - 020 8673 4111

Guide £2.3 million Canary Wharf - 020 7531 2500

to let

KINGSTON UPON THAMES, KT2

RICHMOND, TW10

6 bedrooms u gated parking u garden u EPC=C*

5 bedrooms u double garage u EPC=E*

£2,308 per week Wimbledon - 020 8971 8100

£1,845 per week Richmond - 020 8614 9114

Wherever you are, whatever your dream home, talk to Savills.

to let

LANCASTER GATE, W2 2 bedrooms u pool and gym u concierge u EPC=E* £1,800 per week Notting Hill - 020 7727 5751

to let

PIERHEAD WHARF, E1

FERNSHAW ROAD, SW10

2 bedrooms u park views u porter u EPC=C*

2 bedrooms u interior designed u garden u EPC=D*

£520 per week Docklands - 020 7456 6800

£850 per week Chelsea - 020 7578 9020

* Administration and council tax charges apply. Please contact the local office for more information.

1 2

savills.co.uk

BERKELEY TOWER, e14

MILLHARBOUR, e14

Reception room ø kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø balcony ø concierge ø 2 parking spaces ø 172 sq m (1,855 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Reception room ø open plan kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø terrace ø study ø balcony ø 2 parking spaces ø 127 sq m (1,373 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Guide £1.7 million Leasehold

Guide £1 million Leasehold

3 4

Savills Canary Wharf juprowse@savills.com 020 7531 2500

CINNABAR WHARF, e1w

GLOBE VIEW, ec4v

Recepiton room ø kitchen ø 2 double bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø 2 parking spaces ø concierge ø 104 sq m (1,117 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Reception room ø contemporary kitchen ø 2 double bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø porterage ø 97 sq m (1,051 sq ft) ø EPC=D

Guide £1.5 million Leasehold

Guide £1.299 million Leasehold

Savills Docklands nefthymiou@savills.com 020 7456 6800

Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800

1 2

savills.co.uk

PAN PENINSULA, e14

BELGRAVE COURT, e14

Reception room ø kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø 4 balconies ø 2 parking spaces ø 24 hour concierge ø 221 sq m (2,389 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Reception room ø kitchen ø 4 double bedrooms ø 4 bathrooms ø balcony ø 2 parking spaces ø concierge ø 223 sq m (2,404 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Guide £2.75 million Leasehold

Guide £2.3 million Leasehold

3 4

Savills Canary Wharf juprowse@savills.com 020 7531 2500

Savills Canary Wharf wdickenson@savills.com 020 7531 2500

BASIN APPROACH, e14

MILLHARBOUR, e14

Reception room ø kitchen ø 4 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø roof terrace ø 2 parking spaces ø 204 sq m (2,198 sq ft) ø EPC=C

2 reception rooms ø 2 kitchens ø 4 bedrooms ø 4 bathrooms ø 2 parking spaces ø terrace ø 233 sq m (2,509 sq ft) ø EPC=C

Guide £1.95 million Leasehold

Guide £1.7 million Leasehold

Savills Canary Wharf wdickenson@savills.com 020 7531 2500

Savills Canary Wharf juprowse@savills.com 020 7531 2500

1 2

savills.co.uk

NEO BANKSIDE, se1

STERLING MANSIONS, e1

2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) ø utility room ø Juliet balcony ø 24hr porterage ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=C

2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø reception room ø 24hr porterage ø communal gardens ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=F ø EPC=C

£800 per week Furnished

£795 per week Furnished

3 4

Savills Docklands

Savills Docklands brodgers@savills.com 020 7456 6800

CAPITAL WHARF, e1w

PIERHEAD WHARF, e1w

2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø 24hr porterage ø terrace with river views ø allocated parking ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=C

2 bedrooms ø 1 bathroom ø balcony with park views ø porterage ø allocated parking ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=C

£650 per week Furnished

£520 per week Furnished

Savills Docklands brodgers@savills.com 020 7456 6800

1 2

savills.co.uk

CANARY RIVERSIDE, e14

GOODHART PLACE, e14

4 bedrooms ø 3 en suite bathrooms ø roof terrace ø porterage ø 2 allocated parking spaces ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=H ø EPC=C

3 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø private terrace ø garage ø porterage ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=D

£1,950 per week Furnished

£1,000 per week Furnished

3 4

Savills Canary Wharf ssaul@savills.com 020 7531 2500

DISCOVERY DOCK, e14

BALTIMORE WHARF, e14

2 bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms (1 en suite) ø private balcony ø 24hr porterage ø allocated parking ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=C

Bedroom ø bathroom ø balcony with dock views ø 24hr porterage ø residents leisure facilities ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=D ø EPC=B

£650 per week Furnished

£425 per week Furnished

Savills Canary Wharf ssaul@savills.com 020 7531 2500

Landmark East, London, E14 - £690,000 Leasehold

Pepper Street, London, E14 - £1,100,000 Share of Freehold

• Two bedrooms, two bathrooms • 25th floor, panoramic views • 24hr concierge, residents gym • Heron Quays DLR Canary Wharf Jubilee

• Three bedrooms, two bathrooms • Three storeys • Outstanding views • Waterside Terrace

EPC - B

EPC - C

Millennium Drive, London, E14 - £1,100,000 Leasehold

Canary Riverside, London, E14 - £1,425,000 Leasehold

• Three bedrooms, three bathrooms • Duplex luxury apartment • 1000ft² wrap around terrace • Residents Parking

• Three bedroom apartment • Beautifully presented • 17th floor, river views • Two parking spaces

EPC - D

11 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4HE

EPC - D

020 7715 9700 joneslanglasalle.co.uk

New Festival Quarter, London E14 - £260pw

Aqua Vista, London, E3 - £280pw

Indescon Square, London, E14 - £300pw

• • • •

Brand New Studio Apartment 24hr Concierge & gym Langdons Park DLR

One bedroom apartment Communal Roof Terrace Concierge service Langdons Park DLR

Luxury Apartment One Bedroom South Quay DLR Allocated parking

Landmark East, London, E14 - £350pw

Matchmakers Wharf, London E9 - £370pw

Victory Place, London, E14 - £420pw

• • • •

Luxury Apartment One bedroom 24hr Concierge & gym Heron Quay DLR

Two Bedrooms, two bathrooms Secure Parking, Large Balcony 24hr Concierge & gym Hackney Wick station

One bedroom apartment Balcony Gym and 24 hour Concierge Canada Water Jubilee line

Landmark West, London, E14 - £500pw

Canary Riverside, London, E14 - £750pw

Canary Riverside, London, E14 - £1250pw

• • • •

Two bedrooms, Two bathrooms Balcony & Parking Gym & Concierge Heron Quays DLR

Two bedrooms, Two bathrooms Balcony & Parking River Views Canary Wharf DLR

Three bedroom, three bathroom 8th floor river views Parking & 24hr Concierge Westferry DLR

dockland.sales@eu.jll.co.uk

Effortless living in the heart of the City A collection of inspired City apartments providing the ultimate residential experience. Prices from ÂŁ485pw and ÂŁ625,000.

A development by The Heron Residences LLP

020 7519 5900 info@alanselby.co.uk www.alanselby.co.uk

Estate Agents | Land & Development Consultants

New Homes Baltimore Tower, E14 Baltimore Tower provides a choice of brilliantly designed and proportioned suites and 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments. All apartment styles have steel and glass formed balcony which varies in size as the apartment levels rise and rotate slightly to create the Towerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinctive flowing twist. At levels 43 to 45, the Tower features a split level brasserie, bar and restaurant providing a fabulous and exclusive setting for anything from casual drinks to formal dining with stunning vistas across Canary Wharfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic skyline. Residents will also have an exclusive private lounge and large screen cinema room at lower level.

Each apartment style will exude a rich sense of prestige, quality and understated luxury further heightened by the cascades of natural light and space in each principal living area. With bespoke kitchens by Rabih Hage, all specifications and finishes have been meticulously selected to harmonise with each apartmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subtly curved form. The design and visual spectacle of Baltimore Tower is unique. Due to unprecedented demand - onsite sales and marketing suite now open 7 days a week! Completion estimated for 2016.

Sales & Marketing Suite 020 8418 3730

020 7519 5900 info@alanselby.co.uk www.alanselby.co.uk

Lettings The Heron EC2Y Alan Selby and Partners are pleased to present a stunning two bedroom apartment in The Heron development. The unit will be finished with an extremely high specification, features including marble bathrooms with porcelain ceramic flooring, luxury kitchens with branded appliances including wine cooler and coffee maker, solid wooden or porcelain tiled flooring to hallways/reception and quality woven carpets to the bedrooms. The apartment will comprise two double bedrooms with large fitted wardrobes, two bathrooms with en-suite to master bedroom, spacious reception areas with access to balconies and floor to ceiling windows. This highly anticipated development will benefit from concierge, a private club, pool and an exceptional gym.

Price ÂŁ1,250 per week

Ocean Wharf E14 Extremely impressive double aspect two bedroom apartment on the 9th floor of the desirable Ocean Wharf. This large two double bedroom, two bathroom, two balcony apartment is located just off Westferry Road and offers both a direct view of the river towards the City as well as a south facing river view which can be enjoyed from either balcony. The living room with floor to ceiling glass is spacious and well presented. The property will be fully furnished and is vacant now. There is plenty of storage space, and include a 24 hour concierge and access to the on-site gym.

Price ÂŁ425 per week

Franklyn James

E14 New Atlas Wharf, Isle of Dogs

£550 PW

E14 Forge Square, Isle of Dogs

£425 PW

Absolutely stunning three bedroom 5th floor apartment set within this desirable gated development. The property comprises of a large separate kitchen, two stylish bathrooms and a large balcony overlooking the river Thames. Benefits include secure parking and gym access.

Stunning top floor apartment set within a grade II listed building. The property offers two fitted bedrooms, two modern bathrooms and a luxury integrated kitchen. There is excellent storage throughout, floor to ceiling windows a private balcony and an allocated parking space.

E14 Seacon Tower, Isle of Dogs

E14 Birchfield Street, Westferry

£375 PW

A lovely one bedroom apartment set within the desirable Seacon Tower development. This 8th floor apartment offers a private balcony with river Thames views, a modern bathroom and a fully fitted kitchen. On-site facilities include 24hr concierge & a gymnasium.

£340 PW

Excellent one bedroom top floor apartment located within easy reach of Canary Wharf & the DLR. Double height ceilings give the property a light and airy feel, there is a modern fitted kitchen a nicely tiled bathroom suite. Offered part furnished.

www.franklynjames.co.uk enquiries@franklynjames.co.uk

E14 Keepier Wharf, Limehouse

£1,550,000

Luxurious split level penthouse apartment offering high ceilings and stunning river views. The property comprises of three double bedrooms, three beautiful bathrooms, office space and a stylish fitted kitchen. Additional features include two private roof terraces and a lovely balcony.

E14 Ocean Wharf, Isle of Dogs

£474,950

Beautiful two bedroom riverside apartment comprising of a large welcoming reception room, an integrated kitchen, family bathroom plus an additional en-suite. Features include a private balcony offering park and river views, parking and use of the fully equipped resident’s gymnasium.

Canary Wharf 020 7005 6080

Bow 020 8983 2930

Limehouse 020 7791 1777

Bow 020 8983 2930

Franklyn James Limehouse 020 7791 1777

Canary Wharf 020 7005 6080

homes & property

State of the market buyers GET pro-active

The return of sealed bids

JASON TAYLOR, SENIOR SALES MANAGER AT FRANKYLN

ALASDAIR CARPENTER, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF

JAMES ESTATE AGENTS, COMMENTS ON THE STATE OF

LOURDES ESTATE AGENTS, COMMENTS ON THE STATE OF

THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET

We may have had a late start to the summer but there is no holding back the sales and lettings market. Franklyn James has had another record breaking month in both departments, proving that confidence has been well and truly restored in the property sector. Rightmove has also reported that web traffic is at an all-time high proving that the general public have reposed well to the media and published Land Registry reports. Property is still in high demand as new listings are few and far between. Many properties that are new to the market are sold before full marketing has taken place but the more proactive buyers are going down the more traditional route of having to register their details with their local agent and popping into the office from time to time to make sure they are at the front of the line for viewings when a property is newly listed. Another reason for this vibrant surge of activity is that the mortgage lending criteria has eased for now at least, taking into account mutable salaries and lower deposits. The council of mortgage lenders have reported that lending is up 26 per cent year-on-year with very few applications being turned down once the relevant checks have been made. The lettings market is also benefiting from the new lending criteria as investors are buying the studios and one bedroom apartments which enable chains to be formed and at long last buyers being able to move onward and upwards on the property ladder. If you are thinking of selling or letting your property or are curious to find out what your property is worth in the current market, please call in to one of our three offices where we would be delighted to arrange your free valuation. n

The sun is burning brightly on the London property market this summer. For the first time since the housing market crash at the end of 2007 we are seeing properties being sold by sealed bids. The shortage of housing stock, coupled with a sharp spike in buying demand is the catalyst for the bull-market conditions. Both domestic and international homebuyers are actively competing against each other for the limited housing stock that is being offered for sale in the more desirable London locations. It would be somewhat over egging the pudding to say that sealed bids are now the norm, but they are far more prevalent than at any time in recent years. This is obviously location specific and from our Docklands office we are finding that river and marina-fronted apartments in Limehouse are both in unusually short supply and that demand is booming. With many vendors receiving multiple offers from a spectrum of hopeful buyers, it is not unheard of for the initial asking price to be exceeded. The record prices do not seem to be deterring buyers; in fact they seem to be finding renewed confidence from the perceived strength of the housing market. Our sales applicant database is currently at an all time high. There is also an interesting quirk in the method of sale chosen by many vendors. Recently, a number of our clients have decided to offer their properties for sale on an â&#x20AC;&#x153;off-marketâ&#x20AC;? basis. They do not want to go through the full marketing process but will allow us to introduce potential, unencumbered buyers, that we are confident will express strong interest in the property. The price is usually set at an ambitious level with little or no room for negotiation. Many of our recent sales have followed this format. There is little doubt that the London property market is flying high, the question remains both how long and how high it can remain. n

Franklyn James Estate Agents Docklands, Limehouse & Bow 020 7005 6080 www.franklynjames.co.uk

Lourdes Estate Agents 020 7538 9250 www.lourdes-estates.com

135

Iona Tower, Ross Way, E14

Dundee Wharf, Limehouse, E14

A one bedroom apartment located within this popular modern development. The property features a large reception room, open plan fitted kitchen, large double bedroom and a contemporary bathroom. The property further benefits from a residents roof terrace, day time concierge and is located a short walk from Limehouse DLR station and Canary Wharf.

This generously proportioned property located minutes from Canary Wharf features direct rivers from the master bedroom and lounge. The property also benefits from a further double bedroom, two private balconies, fully fitted kitchen, two bathrooms, secure parking, use of the leisure facilities and a 24 hour concierge.

EPC= C

£310 per week

EPC = C

£495 per week

Narrow Street, Limehouse, E14

Ocean Wharf, Westferry Road, E14

A stunning two bedroom apartment situated in this highly sought after Narrow Street development. The property features a large open plan lounge with fully integrated kitchen, wooden flooring and a private waterfront balcony offering fantastic views. The property further benefits from two double bedrooms, two bathrooms and secure allocated parking.

A three bedroom penthouse apartment with two balconies offering breathtaking views of the London skyline, river and Canary Wharf. Arranged over two floors, featuring a generous reception room with floor to ceiling windows, fully integrated kitchen, two bathrooms, secure parking, on site concierge and within a short walk to Canary Wharf.

EPC= B

EPC = D

£675 per week

96 Three Colt Street, Limehouse, London, E14 8AP

£995 per week

lourdes-estates.com 020 7538 9250

Ionian Building, Narrow Street, E14

Boardwalk Place, Canary Wharf, E14

A spacious one bedroom apartment located within the popular Mosaic Development. Comprising of one double bedroom a large living room with setback open plan kitchen, two balconies, concierge and secure parking. Approx 550 Sq ft.

One double bedroom within walking distance to Canary Wharf. This property is immaculately presented and benefits from a spacious living room, a large private balcony with setback marina views, large master bedroom, concierge and gated parking. Approx 600 Sq ft.

£340,000

EPC= B/C SO

- AN

£379,999

EPC = C/D SO

OT H

WA N

- AN

OT H

TED

WA N

Old Sun Wharf, Narrow Street, E14

Sailmakers House, Narrow Street, E14

This stunning two bedroom apartment is situated over three floors and in the prime position on Narrow Street. Further benefits include two double bedrooms one with en suite, three piece shower suite, spacious living room directly overlooking the River Thames, a large kitchen/dining area and secure parking. Approx 1100 Sq ft.

A wonderfully presented warehouse conversion arranged over the top two floors of this grade two listed building. Comprising of a large living room with water views, a spacious kitchen, three double bedrooms one with en suite, a family shower suite and secure parking. Approx 1500 Sq ft.

EPC= C

EPC = D/E

£620,000

TED

£985,000 enquiries@lourdes-estates.com

London’s Finest Properties | www.liferesidential.co.uk

One Battersea Square, London SW11 | £475,000 £425,000 Leasehold Beautifully presented | Open plan kitchen/reception room | 2 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | private immaculate Lots of storage | Two balconies | Riverterrace views ||Secure coveredcondition parking | | Close to Battersea Villagespecification | Secure and private development 24hr concierge | superior

Ecity, 15 Leonard Street, LondonLeasehold EC2A | £549,950 £435,000 Air conditioning | Luxury fully integrated kitchen | Available fully furnished |

Palace View, Buckingham Palace £380 Road,per SW1W | £825 pw to £1200 pw week Impressive range of two and three bedroom apartments | Transport links

Bezier Apartments, City£875 Road perEC1Y week| £435pw to £650pw Luxurious Range of studio, one and two bedroom Apartments | One of

homes & property

expert comment LETTINGS:

SALES:

Prime rents fall but activity levels rise

Sealed bids in the sun

VANESSA EVETT-BEESLEY, HEAD OF LETTINGS AT

ANDREW GROOCOCK, HEAD OF SALES AT KNIGHT

KNIGHT FRANK IN CANARY WHARF, COMMENTS ON THE

FRANK IN CANARY WHARF, COMMENTS ON TRENDS IN

TRENDS IN THE RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS MARKET

THE RESIDENTIAL SALES MARKET

Rents in prime central London fell by 0.1 per cent in June and are 0.4 per cent lower than they were at the start of the year. The fall means rents for luxury homes in the city have been declining or static for the past 14 months. In June, average rents fell in five of the eleven markets covered by the index, including in Belgravia, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Mayfair and Marylebone. Rents were unchanged in five other markets over the course of the month. St John’s Wood was the only area where rents rose in June. Here, rents increased by 0.3 per cent, marking the second consecutive month that rents in the area have increased. Despite this general recent decline, prime rents are still 21.8 per cent higher than the trough of the market in the second quarter of 2009. There have also been pockets of outperformance over this time. In Kensington, for example, rents have increased by 2.4 per cent in 2013, as a result of an increased demand for large family houses and a shortage of stock. Marylebone and Belgravia have also reported rising rents so far this year, up by 1.7 per cent and 0.1 per cent respectively. Activity levels also suggest that a healthier picture is emerging across the market. The number of viewings conducted in prime central London in the first six months of the year is up by 15.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2012. Additionally, the number of new applicants is up so far this year, by eight per cent. Despite this rising amount of interest, the prime rental market in London is closely tied to conditions in the business and financial services employment market and weakening job prospects here have played their part in creating the conditions for a fall in rents. This is most noticeable in the sub-£1,500 per week price bracket, as this sector has traditionally been supported by City workers. Sub-£1,500 per week rents have fallen by one per cent in the first six months of 2013 and are 3.7 per cent lower than they were a year ago. Above £1,500 per week, rents have been more resilient and have remained unchanged so far this year. n

The sun is shining and the sales market in Canary Wharf is in full swing. To say the Canary Wharf sales market is buoyant at the moment would be an understatement. The market is operating on all levels, from overseas and domestic rental investors to owner-occupiers looking to secure a home in the financial district of London. While all of this is, of course, music to the ears of potential vendors, there is also a word of warning to be heeded. Properties that are marketed at unrealistic levels are simply not going to attract the necessary interest from potential buyers. Buyers have at their disposal a wealth of information from the internet, be it completed sale prices from land registry, to websites reporting how long individual properties have been marketed for. The keys to maximising the price for your property are presentation and pricing. Firstly, make sure that your apartment is presented in its best possible light. It is worth spending a weekend de-cluttering, cleaning your windows and ensuing that any potential buyer will be ‘wowed’ as soon as they set foot in your property. First impressions last and if an applicant walks into an apartment that is untidy and badly presented, the chances are that they will use that as an excuse to negotiate down on the price. A clean, tidy and fresh smelling apartment is far more likely to encourage a buyer to offer the asking price quickly in order to avoid missing out. While the presentation is key, the pricing is also essential. Being on the market for too much money can be incredibly damaging to a property and can mean that buyers simply won’t set foot through the door. A good agent in the area should be able to provide you with at least three comparable properties that they have successfully marketed within the last six months, which will give you a very good indication of what price your property should be on at. An agent’s job is to maximise the sale price for their clients when selling, but at the same time they need to manage expectations. Get the presentation and pricing correct and in the current climate sellers will be inundated with viewings from quality buyers. n

Knight Frank Canary Wharf 020 7512 9966 www.knightfrank.co.uk/canary-wharf

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Capital Wharf, 50 Wapping High Street,Wapping E1W 1LY

Orient Wharf, 70 Wapping High Street,Wapping E1W 2NN

A stunning opportunity to rent a rare to the market extremely spacious apartment set over 1000 sq ft, directly overlooking the river Thames with views of Tower Bridge.

1 double bedroom apartment. Double glazing. Patio door leading to a terrace with river Thames views.

£650 PW

£300 PW

Coopers Close, Bethnal Green, E1 4BB

Hermitage Court, Knighten Street,Wapping E1W 1PW

1 Double bedroom duplex apartment within this sought after modern development. The property is well positioned for access to Stepney Green and Bethnal Green Underground stations.

1 bedroom apartment situated within this gated development. Concierge.

£250 PW

£320 PW

Cinnabar Wharf Central, Wapping E1W 1NQ

Capital Wharf, Wapping E1W 1LY

£1,199,995 Leasehold

£800,000 Leasehold

Campania Building, E1W

Hermitage Court, Knighten Street,Wapping E1W 1PW

2 Double bedroom apartment within this poplar riverside development. Bathroom. Fitted kitchen. Reception with balcony. Secure parking. Close to Limehouse Docklands Light Railway. Must be viewed.

1 bedroom apartment situated within this gated development. Concierge. Fitted kitchen, reception, bathroom. Situated close to Tower Hill and within easy access to the City & Canary Wharf. ‘Waitrose’ supermarket is nearby.

£364,995

£300 PW

Riverside 3 double bedroom apartment with terrace overlooking the River Thames. Situated within one of Wapping’s most prestigious and sought after luxury developments. Offering an open plan kitchen, reception, 2 bathrooms, secure underground parking. 24 hour concierge.

1 Double bedroom duplex apartment within this sought after modern development. The property is well positioned for access to Stepney Green and Bethnal Green Underground stations.

‘There’s ‘There’s aa frisson frisson inin the the air’ air’

SE3 SE3

L A NDS

PAR K

B R O OKLANDS

PARK

Inspired Inspired by by Frank Frank Lloyd Lloyd Wright, Wright, bespoke bespoke developers developers Erinvale Erinvale have have created created two two stunning stunning detached detached villas villas of of unequivocal unequivocal style style and and design, design, located located on on Blackheath’s Blackheath’s prestigious prestigious Cator Cator Estate. Estate. Each Each home home affords affords almost almost 5000 5000 sq sq ftft of of exciting exciting living living space space and and has has been been conceived conceived to to fulfil fulfil the the demands demands of of todays todays modern modern family. family. Just Just moments moments from from Blackheath Blackheath Village Village and and Royal Royal Greenwich Greenwich Park Park and and with with direct direct rail rail links links to to The The City City (Cannon (Cannon Street Street 18 18 minutes) minutes) and and via via DLR DLR to to Canary CanaryWharf. Wharf.

Selling agent

Developers

Internal Finishes From

Incorporating

Launching September 2013 REGISTER NoW FoR MoRE INFoRMaTIoN CaLL 020 8318 1311 oR EMaIL bLackheath@johnpayne.com

The Paragon, Blackheath, SE3 Guide Price ÂŁ925,000 Leasehold (Share of Freehold)

Bedrooms: 3 Receptions: 2 Bathrooms: 1 EPC: D Call Blackheath office on 020 8318 1311 to arrange to view

A garden level three/four bedroom apartment set within this landmark Grade 1 listed Georgian crescent adjacent to the heath. The Paragon itself is set in its own stunning, parkland-style grounds which this flat has direct access to, also with its own private patio.

Dartmouth Hill, Greenwich, SE10 Price ÂŁ1,085,000 Freehold

Bedrooms: 4 Receptions: 1 Bathrooms: 3 EPC: C Call Blackheath office on 020 8318 1311 to arrange to view

Located in a great position just a short walk from the heath, this detached four bedroom, three bathroom house offers stylish living over two floors with the upper floor providing a 46ft open plan living space. Includes programmable lighting, oak flooring and a glass stairway.

johnpayne.com Our website is mobile friendly

We advertise online at

Westcombe Hill, Blackheath, SE3 Price ÂŁ525,000 Freehold

Bedrooms: 4 Receptions: 2 Bathrooms: 1 EPC: D Call Westcombe Park office on 020 8858 6101 to arrange to view

A beautifully presented four bedroom double fronted period house close to Westcombe Park Train Station and bus routes to North Greenwich Tube Station. Benefits include many period features and a large kitchen/breakfast room.

Leyland Road, Lee, SE12 Guide Price ÂŁ760,000 Freehold

Bedrooms: 6 Receptions: 3 Bathrooms: 2 EPC: F Call Lee office on 020 8852 8633 to arrange to view

A stunning six double bedroom semi-detached family home located in a popular road within easy access of Colfes and Riverston Schools, Lee train station and local shops, with Blackheath Village being within a mile radius.

Blackheath Greenwich Westcombe Park Lee

020 8318 1311 020 8858 9911 020 8858 6101 020 8852 8633

1 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath Village, SE3 0TA 227 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich, SE10 8NB 11 Stratheden Parade, Westcombe Park, SE3 7SX 119 Burnt Ash Road, Lee, SE12 8RA

SALES 0207 510 9978 www.rubiconestates.co.uk info@rubiconestates.co.uk

The Mosaic, Narrow Street E14 • Two bedrooms • Roof terrace

• Penthouse • Two bathrooms

Victoria Wharf, Narrow Street E14 • Penthouse • Two bedrooms

£550,000 Leasehold

Adriatic Building, Narrow Street E14 • Two bedrooms • Balcony

• 24 hour concierge • West Facing

£420,000 Leasehold

• Roof terrace • Two bathrooms

£769,950 S/O/F

Ontario Tower, Canary Wharf E14 • Fourteenth floor • Two bedrooms

• River views • Two bathrooms

£589,950 Leasehold

LETTINGS

Rubicon Estates Agents Ltd 65 Narrow Street, London, E14 8DP

0207 510 9982 www.rubiconestates.co.uk info@rubiconestates.co.uk

Capital Wharf, Wapping • 2 Double Bedrooms • Direct River Views

Eaton House, Canary Wharf E14

• Concierge • Gym

• Two Double Bedrooms • Concierge • Spectacular River Views • Leisure Facilities

£650PW

Pan Peninsula, Canary Wharf E14 • Two Double Bedrooms • Panoramic Views

• Luxury Leisure facilities • Valet Parking

£625PW

£750PW

Medland House, Lime House E14 • Marina views • One Bedroom

• 24 Hour Concierge • Secure parking

£340PW

www.robertholmes.co.uk

Wimbledon Common

£9,750,000

An exceptional 1920’s residence set in secluded grounds of over 1.25 acre (0.51 hec) with a heated swimming pool and a clay tennis court 7 bedrooms and 8 bath/shower rooms (incl staff flat) • 4 reception rooms • super fitted kitchen • gym • garaging • long private drive • roof terrace

Coombe Hill

£4,800,000

An outstanding residence built in recent years to a very high specification set in secluded and beautifully landscaped grounds with a heated swimming pool Reception hall • 3 reception rooms • super fitted kitchen • family room • 7 bedrooms • 5 bath/shower rooms • potential for self-contained annexe • garaging • gated drive

Wimbledon Village’s Premier Estate Agent - +44 (020) 8947 9833

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The spoils of the hardy workplace warrior.

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Designed for the City lifestyle

Replace the daily commute with an easy stroll, by living in the very heart of the City at Roman House. This magnificent collection of apartments and penthouses is designed for the demands of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s city-based international lifestyles and cosmopolitan tastes.

• Residents-only gym

• Studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, 2 bedroom duplexes and individually designed 3 bedroom penthouses

• 24 hour concierge

• Architecturally significant building, expertly refurbished by Berkeley • Juliet balconies to most apartments; terraces to penthouses

• Luxurious specification includes fully equipped fitted kitchens, engineered timber flooring, underfloor heating • Impressive entrance foyer and lift lobby with feature mosaic • 999 year lease

Luxury Studios, 1, 2 & 3 bedroom residences from £605,000 Sales & Marketing Suite open daily 10am-6pm. Roman House, Wood Street, London, EC2Y 5BA.

The Berkeley Group invests in the skills that keep Britain’s heritage alive Roman House is a refurbished City landmark with many original features. Our Vision. Your Future.

Call: 020 3489 0662 or email: romanhouse@berkeleygroup.co.uk www.roman-house.co.uk

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Computer Generated Images depict Roman House and are indicative only. Prices correct at time of press.

• Located in the heart of the City, next to The Barbican

homes & property

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE AUGUST 2013 Richard Pine-Coffin, DIRECTOR OF RESIDENTIAL AT JONES LANG LASALLE, SHARES HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET

Which properties, available through Jones Lang LaSalle at the moment, stand out for you as particularly special? Located opposite the Bank of England, our lettings team has a unique Grade II-listed, one bedroom apartment on the market for £675 per week. Dating back to 1868 and constructed by the architect George Somers-Clarke, the property is typical of the graceful Portland stone buildings of the area. Offering direct views of the Bank of England, this historical apartment provides state of art features including TV and Bose surround-sound systems, comfort cooling and a contemporary kitchen with the period features of high ceilings and large sash windows. On the sales side, designed by internationally respected architects UNStudio, Canaletto is located on the City Road and is architecturally one of the most exciting developments London has ever seen. Due to come to the market this autumn, the project comprises a 31 storey landmark structure in the City Road Basin, with190 private apartments located at the heart of the creative and technical districts of Hoxton, Clerkenwell, Shoreditch and Old Street. In addition to some outstanding views, the scheme will offer residents top of the range facilities including a restaurant, health club, swimming pool, private cinema and residents’ club on the 24th floor, with an expansive terrace which will make Canaletto a social hub at the centre of an exciting neighbourhood. Richard Pine-Coffin Jones Lang LaSalle 020 7087 5282 www.joneslanglasalle.co.uk

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Canaletto’s innovative design defines a new aesthetic for residential high-rises in London and will make the building a landmark in its own right. The architects have created a multifaceted façade giving a pleasing appearance from all aspects. The building is broken into multiple ‘neighbourhoods in the sky’, accentuated through organic shapes conveying a sense of scale and intimacy unprecedented for a building of this height. What measures can a potential buyer take to speed up the purchasing process? The purchasing process can be a lengthy affair and can be attributed to some key elements that must be taken into consideration. Funding is the key issue in the current climate. Assuming finance is sort early, discussions with the lenders are essential — whether directly through the bank or through a broker. This should provide outline budgets and information on the necessary documentation a purchaser will need to produce for the mortgage. In many cases bonuses and commissions are considered separately from a fixed salary and this may have an effect on the availability of funds. If mortgage funding is not required, access to funds is something to consider. In regard to new property, the legal process should prove less timely than dealing with older stock. Often developers will suggest solicitors who have a prior knowledge of the building and the lease, which can prove useful. A specialist property lawyer will, on the whole, provide a swifter transaction. Initial research into which solicitors are familiar with the local borough and ideally the building will also prove invaluable. n

THE LOCATIONS. THE STYLE. THE QUALITY.

Premium London living from Telford Homes Parliament House SE1

Cityscape E1

For more information please contact

0203 538 5649 or click telfordhomes.plc.uk Computer generated images of Telford Homes developments.

Avant-garde E1

HIRSH L O N D O N

FLAME

COLLECTION

Where Every Piece Is A Work Of Art www.hirshlondon.com

56-57 BURLINGTON ARCADE W1J 0QN - T +44 (0)20 7499 6814 - 13 GRAFTON STREET W1S 4ES - OPENING SUMMER 2013

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